ref

[ref] / rɛf /

NOUN

judge

Synonyms

STRONGEST

referee umpire

STRONG

arbiter arbitrator expert intermediary moderator

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Obviously, I should have waited for the ref to blow his whistle.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

Andrew: Outstanding from a ref on his Premier League debut.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

Caroline: City fan but well done ref, about time they started to stand up to VAR.

From BBC • Jan. 24, 2026

If the ref isn't sure he should ask VAR to bring it up on the monitor instead of waiting five minutes.

From BBC • Nov. 11, 2025

Instead of agreeing with me, the ref gave me a yellow card, warning me for false-starting.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad