I. ə-ˈfi-shəl also ō- noun
Date: 14th century
1. : one who holds or is invested with an office : officer
government official s
2. : one who administers the rules of a game or sport especially as a referee or umpire
II. adjective
Date: circa 1585
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