1 (informal 非正式ref) the official person in sports such as football who controls the match and prevents players from breaking the rules （足球等的）裁判（员） A similar official in sports such as tennis is called an umpire. 网球等的裁判员叫做umpire。

2 (Brit 英) a person who gives information about your character and ability, usually in a letter, for example when you are hoping to be chosen for a job （为谋职者提供其性格、能力等证明的）介绍人，推荐人: Her teacher agreed to act as her referee. 她的老师答应当她的推荐人。 referee verb [I,T] Who refereed the match?