B1nounsport
US/ˌref.əˈriː/
UK/ˌref.əˈriː/
the official who controls a sports match and makes sure players follow the rules
In context
The referee blew the whistle and ended the game after ninety minutes.
Fans shouted at the referee after he ignored a clear foul.
She works as a referee for the local youth basketball league.
Words that go with referee
noun + noun
- match refereeThe match referee showed two yellow cards.
verb + noun
- referee blows the whistleThe referee blows the whistle to start play.
- referee a gameHe has refereed a game every weekend for ten years.
adjective + noun
- assistant refereeThe assistant referee raised his flag for offside.
verb + preposition
- argue with the refereePlayers may not argue with the referee.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The referee judge was unfair.Correct: The referee was unfair.