judges; judged; judging
1
: to form an opinion about (something or someone) after careful thought
You should not judge people by their appearance.
They judged her pie (as) the best. = They judged her pie to be the best. = They judged that her pie was the best. = Her pie was judged (to be) the best.
He was trying to judge the strength of his opponent.
It can be difficult to judge [=estimate] distances/sizes accurately.
We should do whatever we judge to be the right thing.
Judging from this schedule, we have a busy week ahead. [=this schedule indicates that we have a busy week ahead]
Judging by its smell, I'd say the milk is spoiled. = To judge from its smell, I'd say the milk is spoiled.
2
: to regard (someone) as either good or bad
Who are you to judge me?
He feels that they have judged him unfairly.
Don't judge her too severely/harshly.
3
law
a
: to make an official decision about (a legal case)
judge [=try] a case
b
: to decide about the guilt or innocence of someone
The jury will be asked to judge the defendant's guilt.
If you are accused of a crime you have the right to be judged by a jury of your peers.
4
: to decide the winner of (a competition)
judge a contest
plural judges
1
a
law
: a person who has the power to make decisions on cases brought before a court of law
a federal judge
She's one of the strictest judges in the state.
—often used as a titleThe case is being heard by Judge Smith.
b
: a person who decides the winner in a contest or competition
He served as a judge at the baking contest.
a panel of judges
2
a
: a person who makes a decision or judgment
"These problems don't concern you." "I'll be the judge of that!" [=I'll decide if they concern me; I am not interested in your opinion]
"I don't think we should trust her." "Let me be the judge of that."
b
: a person who is good, bad, etc., at making judgments
She is a good judge of character.
Cite this Entry
“Judge.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/judge. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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