referee

[US]/ˌrefəˈriː/
[UK]/ˌrefəˈriː/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. an official who watches a game or match closely to make sure that the rules are followed and who makes decisions about plays, penalties, etc.
v. to act as a referee; to settle a dispute
vt. to officiate as a referee; to mediate

Phrases & Collocations

head referee

assistant referee

referee whistle

referee decision

chief referee

Example Sentences

The referee made an unfair decision.

the referee did not whistle for a foul.

the referee's inept handling of the match.

The referee refused to allow the goal.

The referee blew a whistle at the end of the game.

The referee’s decision was disputable.

The referee’s decision was contested by the loser.

He was ruled offside by the referee.

The team was left raging at the referee’s decision.

the referee was abused by players from both teams.

the referee chickened out of giving a penalty.

the referee in the firing line is an experienced official.

there's no profit in screaming at referees from the bench.

he was warned by the referee for his loud protestations.

The referees blasted their whistles.

The penalty ordered by the referee was in dispute by one of the teams.

Who is going to referee (the football match?

The referee ruled him off for rough attitude.

Officials include a referee, judges and a timekeeper.

the referee awarded a penalty and ordered an early bath for Sansome.

Real-world Examples

You are the referee for my game?

Source: Modern Family - Season 10

Stop shouting at the referee and take a chill pill.

Source: BBC Authentic English

This referee needs to get some glasses.

Source: Learn British English Speaking on the Go

What did you have to do to be a referee?

Source: Airborne English: Everyone speaks English.

Police in Mexico are looking for a footballer who headbutted a referee who then died.

Source: BBC Listening Collection November 2016

" Look at the referee! " she said, giggling.

Source: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Referee sprayed some disinfectant on the mats.

Source: Modern Family - Season 05

A referee tries to make fair decisions.

Source: Airborne English: Everyone speaks English.

The referee whistled and the game started.

Source: Lai Shixiong Advanced English Vocabulary 3500

So, a hockey referee, a basketball referee, a football referee - they need to be disinterested; unbiased.

Source: Engvid Super Teacher Alex - Course Collection

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