Official Definition

ə-fĭshəl

officials

adjective

Of or holding an office, or position of authority.

Webster's New World

By, from, or with the proper authority; authorized or authoritative.

An official request.

Webster's New World

Holding office or serving in a public capacity.

An official representative.

American Heritage

In a formal or ceremonious manner, often involving persons of authority.

An official welcome to the city.

Webster's New World

Formally set or prescribed.

The official date of publication.

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

noun

officials

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.

American Heritage

A person holding office, esp. public office.

Webster's New World

One who supervises an athletic contest, as a referee or umpire.

Webster's New World

A person responsible for applying the rules of a game or sport in a competition.

In most football games there are three officials: the referee and two linesmen.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Official

Noun

Singular:

official

Plural:

officials

Origin of Official

From Middle English ecclesiastical officer from Old French from Latin officiālis an attendant of an office from officium duty, service office

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Old French official, from Latin officium (“duty, service").

From Wiktionary