official Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a worker who holds or is invested with an office
    functionary.
  2. noun someone who administers the rules of a game or sport
    • the golfer asked for an official who could give him a ruling
  3. adjective having official authority or sanction
    • official permission
    • an official representative
  4. adjective of or relating to an office
    • official privileges
  5. adjective satellite verified officially
    • the election returns are now official
  6. adjective satellite conforming to set usage, procedure, or discipline
    prescribed.
    • in prescribed order
  7. adjective satellite (of a church) given official status as a national or state institution

WordNet

Of*fi"cial adjective
Etymology
L. officialis: cf. F. officiel. See Office, and cf. Official, n.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to an office or public trust; as, official duties, or routine.
    That, in the official marks invested, you Anon do meet the senate. Shak.
  2. Derived from the proper office or officer, or from the proper authority; made or communicated by virtue of authority; as, an official statement or report.
  3. (Pharm.) Approved by authority; sanctioned by the pharmacopoeia; appointed to be used in medicine; as, an official drug or preparation. Cf. Officinal.
  4. Discharging an office or function. Obs.
    The stomach and other parts official unto nutrition. Sir T. Browne.
Of*fi"cial noun
Etymology
L. officialis a magistrate's servant or attendant: cf.F. official. See Official, a., and cf. Officer.
Definitions
  1. One who holds an office; esp., a subordinate executive officer or attendant.
  2. An ecclesiastical judge appointed by a bishop, chapter, archdeacon, etc., with charge of the spiritual jurisdiction. Blackstone.

Webster 1913