ref

1 of 2

noun

: a referee in a game or sport

ref

2 of 2

abbreviation

1
reference
2
refunding

Examples of ref in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
There has long been a feeling that Payton teams lose every 50-50 call, that the refs have it out for him. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 23 Oct. 2025 The remaining five watches in the Coppola sale include a Patek Philippe World Time ref. Laurie Brookins, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025 While on the bench, refs missed a basket interference violation on the Lakers, which Green was rather colorful about. Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025 But the refs didn’t recognize the timeout before the buzzer sounded, sending the game to a second overtime and Durant barely avoiding a Chris Webber moment. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ref

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ref was in 1890

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ref.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ref. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

ref

noun
ˈref
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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