Dictionary
1official
noun of·fi·cial \ə-ˈfi-shəl also ō-\
: a person who has a position of authority in a company, organization, or government : a person who holds an office
: a person (such as a referee or umpire) who makes sure that players are following the rules of a game
Full Definition of OFFICIAL
2
: one who administers the rules of a game or sport especially as a referee or umpire
See official defined for English-language learners
See official defined for kids
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First Known Use of OFFICIAL
14th century
Related to OFFICIAL
- Synonyms
- functionary, officeholder, officer, public servant
Other Government and Politics Terms
2official
adjective
: of or relating to the job or work of someone in a position of authority
—used to describe something that is said in a public way by someone in a position of authority
—used to describe something that is done in a public and often formal way
Full Definition of OFFICIAL
1
: of or relating to an office, position, or trust <official duties>
2
: holding an office
3
a : authoritative, authorized <official statement> b : prescribed or recognized as authorized <an official language> c : described by the United States Pharmacopeia or the National Formulary
4
: befitting or characteristic of a person in office <extended an official greeting>
— of·fi·cial·ly \-ˈfi-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb
See official defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of OFFICIAL
circa 1585
Related to OFFICIAL
- Synonyms
- authorized, sanctioned
- Antonyms
- nonofficial, unauthorized, unofficial, unsanctioned
Rhymes with OFFICIAL
OFFICIAL[1] Defined for Kids
1official
noun of·fi·cial \ə-ˈfi-shəl\
Definition of OFFICIAL for Kids
: a person who holds a position of authority in an organization or government
2official
adjective
Definition of OFFICIAL for Kids
1
: relating to a position of authority <official duties>
2
: having authority to perform a duty <the official referee>
3
: coming from or meeting the requirements of an authority <an official team baseball> <We're waiting for the official announcement.>
4
: proper for a person in office <The White House is the President's official residence.>
— of·fi·cial·ly adverb
Medical Dictionary
official
adjective of·fi·cial \ə-ˈfish-əl\
Medical Definition of OFFICIAL
: prescribed or recognized as authorized; specifically : described by the United States Pharmacopeia or the National Formulary—compare nonofficial, unofficial
—of·fi·cial·ly \-ˈfish-(ə-)lē\ adverb
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