Definition of "official" in English

adjective

1. Of or about an office or public trust.

   • official duties

2. Derived from the proper office or officer, or the appropriate authority; made or communicated by authority

   • an official statement or report

3. Approved by authority; authorized.

   • The Official Strategy Guide

4. (pharmacology) Sanctioned by the pharmacopoeia; appointed to be used in medicine; officinal.

   • an official drug or preparation

5. Discharging an office or function.

6. Relating to an office, especially a subordinate executive officer or attendant.

7. Relating to an ecclesiastical judge appointed by a bishop, chapter, archdeacon, etc., with charge of the spiritual jurisdiction.

8. (informal) True, real, beyond doubt.

   • Well, it's official: you lost your mind!

9. (pharmacology) Listed in a national pharmacopeia.

noun

1. An office holder, a person holding an official position in government, sports, or other organization.

   • Officials in the Firefly administration assure the Sylvanians they don't want war either.
   • In most soccer games, there are three officials: the referee and two linesmen.
   • The company's officials became nabobs as it took on more and more power after Plassey.