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. See referee
   informal.
   short for referee

Word History and Origins

Origin of ref¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; by shortening

Example Sentences

Get ready to bid farewell to the spitfire Bobby Bottleservice and big booty player Ref Jeff.

From The Daily Beast

The home team eked out a win in the World Cup opening match, with a little help from the Japanese ref.

From The Daily Beast

Down Fred went and the ref blew his whistle, piercing Croatian hearts as he pointed to the penalty spot.

From The Daily Beast

There is, perhaps, a natural tendency to blame the ref when things don't go well.

From The Daily Beast

Williams, enraged by the call, spewed a few nasty comments at the ref.

From The Daily Beast

Or not -- sometimes we had to call in a ref to mediate, but for the most part, we were all pretty good about playing fair.

From Project Gutenberg

Folks calls 'im Laz'rus in ref'ence to de Bible chil' what riz up jes' same way lak', outen de daid col' tomb.

From Project Gutenberg

Refuge, ref′ūj, n. that which affords shelter or protection: an asylum or retreat: a resource or expedient.

From Project Gutenberg

Refragable, ref′ra-ga-bl, adj. that may be resisted: capable of refutation.

From Project Gutenberg

Ref.: Discussion in various reports of Comptroller of the Currency.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• referee
• umpire