referee

A person who makes sure players follow the rules during a game.

• The referee blew the whistle.
• Two referees watched the basketball game.
• Why did the referee award a penalty?

Similar words: official, umpire

Common phrases: football referee, match referee, referee decision

Someone who tells an employer or school about your character, abilities, or experience.

• Please give the names of two referees.
• She listed her teacher as a referee.
• The employer contacted both referees before offering me the job.

How to use it: a referee for someone (My former manager agreed to be a referee for me.)

Similar words: reference

Common phrases: name a referee, professional referee, referee for someone

An expert who checks a written work and advises whether it should be published.

• The referee recommended publication.
• Two referees reviewed the research paper.
• The editor sent us the referee comments yesterday.

Similar words: reviewer, peer reviewer

Common phrases: anonymous referee, journal referee, referee report

Make sure players follow the rules during a game or match.

• She referees football matches.
• Our coach refereed the game yesterday.
• Who will referee the final on Sunday?

Similar words: officiate, umpire

Common phrases: referee a match, referee a game, referee a tournament, referee hockey games