umpire
An official who watches a game closely to enforce the rules and arbitrate on matters arising from the play (especially in baseball, tennis, and cricket).
Typically used for sports where the official stands in a relatively fixed position (like baseball or tennis), whereas 'referee' is used for sports where the official runs with the players (like soccer or basketball).
Word relationships
- referee: A referee moves around the field of play in continuous sports, while an umpire usually has a static position in stop-and-start sports.
- arbitrator: An arbitrator resolves legal or business disputes, while an umpire resolves on-field athletic disputes.
Commonly confused with
- empire: An empire is a group of nations ruled by an emperor, while an umpire is a sports official.
Word family
- umpiring (noun): The act of officiating as an umpire.
Collocations
- chair umpire
- plate umpire
- umpire's decision
Example sentences
- "The tennis player argued with the chair umpire over whether the ball was in or out." Tennis match
- "The home plate umpire made a dramatic strikeout call to end the inning." Baseball officiating
Memory hook
An umpire is 'not a peer' (non-peer)—they are an odd third party who stands above the two teams to keep peace. The odd third party.
When not to use
Do not use for sports like soccer, rugby, or basketball, where 'referee' is the standard term.
Fun facts
- In early baseball, umpires sat in comfortable rocking chairs placed along the baseline, holding umbrellas to shield themselves from the sun.
Related words
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