ref

1 of 2

noun

ˈref 

: 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

Noun

Then, after a blatant double hit call was missed by the refs, Townsend lost focus just long enough to cost them the game. — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Here is the tailend of the fracas that began with Rashard Kelly and Mario Chalmers, followed by a lengthy conversation by the refs with TBT officials. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026

Like all the best refs, his measure of success was being able to slip away from the stadium unnoticed, having facilitated a good game that had been enjoyable to watch. — Graham Scott, New York Times, 23 July 2026

In reality, the refs just do the bidding of the cowards behind the curtain. — Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1890, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ref

• chef
• clef
• deaf

Kids Definition

ref

noun

ˈref

: referee entry 1 sense 2