noun
ref
rehf
noun
1
Informal short form of referee, the official who enforces the rules in a sport.
"The ref blew the whistle for a foul."
"Fans booed the ref's decision."
verb
1
To act as a referee.
"My uncle refs local football matches on weekends."
How to Use Ref
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe casual, everyday word for "referee," used as both a noun and a verb.
When to use it
Informal — use "referee" in formal or written contexts.
Common pairings
the ref blew the whistle
ref a match
Word Forms
reffed past tense, Refs plural, refs singular
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The _____ blew the whistle for a foul.
Etymology
A shortened, clipped form of referee.