referee Definition
- 1an official in a sports event who ensures that the rules are followed
- 2a person chosen to settle a dispute
Using referee: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "referee" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the game.
Example
The dispute was settled by a neutral referee.
Example
She has been a referee for over a decade now.
Example
The referee's decision was final.
referee Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for referee
- umpire
- judge
- arbiter
- adjudicator
- mediator
Antonyms for referee
- spectator
- player
Idioms Using referee
Example
He decided to blow the whistle on his boss's unethical practices.
Example
The coach is the one who calls the shots during the game, not the referee.
Example
The referee's job is to ensure a level playing field for all players.
Phrases with referee
referee's whistle
a whistle used by the referee to signal the start, end, or pause of a game or match
Example
The referee's whistle signaled the end of the game.
referee's decision
the final ruling made by the referee in a game or match
Example
The referee's decision was controversial and led to protests from the losing team.
referee's report
a written account of the events that occurred during a game or match, including any rule violations or penalties
Example
The referee's report indicated that the player had committed a foul.
Origins of referee
from Latin 'referre', meaning 'to carry back'
Summary: referee in Brief
A 'referee' [ˌrɛfəˈriː] is an official in a sports event who ensures that the rules are followed. It can also refer to a person chosen to settle a dispute. The term is often used in phrases like 'referee's whistle,' 'referee's decision,' and 'referee's report.' Idioms like 'blow the whistle on someone' and 'call the shots' are also associated with the term.