Definition of official

< officer of the deck

officialese >

of·fi·cial    (-fshl) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Of or relating to an office or a post of authority: official duties.
2. Authorized by a proper authority; authoritative: official permission.
3. Holding office or serving in a public capacity: an official representative.
4. Characteristic of or befitting a person of authority; formal: an official banquet.
5. Authorized by or contained in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia or National Formulary. Used of drugs.

NOUN:

1. One who holds an office or position, especially one who acts in a subordinate capacity for an institution such as a corporation or governmental agency.
2. Sports A referee or umpire.

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ETYMOLOGY:
From Middle English, ecclesiastical officer, from Old French, from Latin officilis, an attendant of an office, from officium, duty, service ; see office

OTHER FORMS:
of·ficial·dom(Noun), of·ficial·ly(Adverb)