ref

¹

[ ref ]

noun

, Sports Slang.

, reffed, ref·fing.

1. referee.

ref.

²

abbreviation for

1. referee.
2. reference.
3. referred.
4. refining.
5. reformation.
6. reformed.
7. refund.
8. refunding.

ref.

¹

abbreviation for

1. referee
2. reference

ref

²

/ rɛf /

noun

1. informal.
   short for referee

Word History and Origins

Origin of ref¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; by shortening

Example Sentences

But by the time he left the court, flipping the ball to the ref in frustration after his sixth turnover, the party was over.

From Los Angeles Times

“Are you going to protect me tonight, ref?”

From Los Angeles Times

“She got two techs, she said something to the ref,” Chicago teammate Marina Mabrey said.

From Seattle Times

"I'm looking at the fans. I'm smiling. I'm joking. I've done my ring walk and I'm now talking to the ref and giving him my hand, showing him my mouthguard."

From BBC

A talking to from ref Will Finnie is enough.

From BBC

Related Words

• referee
• umpire