refereenoun [ C ]
uk/ˌref.əˈriː/us/ˌref.əˈriː/referee noun [ C ] (JUDGE)
B2 a person who is in charge of a sports game and who makes certain that the rules are followed:
We only lost the game because the referee was biased.
a person or organization that helps to find a fair answer to a disagreement:
A judge is acting as referee in the pay dispute between the trade union and management.
More examples
- The footballer appealed to the referee for a free kick.
- He was suspended for four matches after arguing with the referee.
- The referee decided to allow the goal.
- The referee whistled and the game was over.
- Referees have been instructed to penalize players who deliberately waste time.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Refereeing & judging in sport
- adjudicate
- adjudicator
- assistant referee
- booking
- caution
- fair play
- fourth official
- judge
- jury
- linesman
- ref
- score
- scorekeeper
- scorer
- sending off
- umpire
- video technology
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
People who analyse and judge
referee noun [ C ] (SUPPORTER)
UK also reference a person who knows you and who is willing to describe and, usually, praise you, in order to support you when you are trying to get a job, etc.:
She gave her college tutor as her referee to the interviewer.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Applying for a job
- anoint
- applicant
- appoint
- appointed
- appointee
- appointment
- engage
- handpicked
- headhunt
- hiring
- intake
- job
- job centre
- set sb up
- step
- step into sth
- subcontract
- take sb on
- take sth on
- tender
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Supporters, members & defenders
refereeverb [ I or T ]
uk/ˌref.əˈriː/us/ˌref.əˈriː/to be a referee in a game:
They had to ask one of the spectators to referee (the match).
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Refereeing & judging in sport
- adjudicate
- adjudicator
- assistant referee
- booking
- caution
- fair play
- fourth official
- judge
- jury
- linesman
- ref
- score
- scorekeeper
- scorer
- sending off
- umpire
- video technology