Ref. is an abbreviation for reference. It is written in front of a code at the top of business letters and documents. The code refers to a file where all the letters and documents about the same matter are kept.
[business]
Our Ref: JAH/JW.
2. countable noun
The ref in a sports game, such as football or boxing, is the same as the referee.
[informal]
The ref gave a penalty and Zidane scored.
ref in British English
(rɛf)
noun
informal short for referee
ref. in British English
abbreviation for
1.
referee
2.
reference
ref in American English1
(rɛf)
Informal
noun
1.
referee (sense 2)
verb transitive, verb intransitiveWord forms: reffed or ˈreffing
2.
referee
ref in American English2
1.
referee
2.
reference
3.
reformed
4.
refund
Examples of 'ref' in a sentence
ref
He was shouting at the ref to get players booked.
The Sun (2016)
The award came from pressure as it was the same player and the ref hadn't given the first.
The Sun (2016)
I actually scored but not only did the ref not give a penalty, he gave a goal kick!
The Sun (2017)
He now helps select officials to ref Premier League games.
The Sun (2016)
Other top refs underwent the tough tests in Nuneaton last May.
The Sun (2016)
West 0-0'Obviously we were shouting and screaming for it but the ref had to make his call.
The Sun (2016)
He was involved in a major talking point when he appeared to have his legs swept away in the box, but the ref ignored penalty appeals.
The Sun (2016)
TOP football refs spot fouls better than those in lower leagues because they know the right place to look, says a study.
The Sun (2016)
FA chiefs cannot charge a player after a game if a ref sees the incident at the time but can dish out bans if it was not.
The Sun (2016)
Now we will see more managers asking refs to give them signals.
The Sun (2007)
It was a big shock when the ref gave the penalty.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
They are not allowed to ref games involving that club or their major rivals.
The Sun (2013)
He was obviously trying to get at the ref but did it get to you?
The Sun (2010)
We have been losing too many top refs too e a r l y.
The Sun (2006)
Football refs treat spitting as worse than punching.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The ref influenced the game in completely the wrong way.
The Sun (2012)
That is when the top refs show their class.
The Sun (2014)
In my opinion that ref killed the game.
The Sun (2011)
Are top refs still being kept away from big club?
The Sun (2014)
Great sportsmanship but he deserved a penalty and it makes it difficult for the ref when he gets up.
The Sun (2013)
The ref gave the penalty instantly.
The Sun (2010)
He wasn't looking for a penalty and the ref might look at it.
The Sun (2015)
I wasn't looking for the penalty but the ref had other ideas.
The Sun (2006)
He said: 'The ref noticed it as we were going out.
The Sun (2008)
He said: 'The ref got it wrong.
The Sun (2012)
He said: 'The ref bottled it a little bit.
The Sun (2015)
He raged: 'The ref had a really bad day.
The Sun (2010)
The Black Cats boss says the ropey ref made two major blunders which cost his side all three points.
The Sun (2016)
I've been to see the ref, who says there was sufficient intent there.