refer to
phrasal verb
referred to; referring to; refers to
1
: to look at or in (something) for information
She often refers to her notes when giving a speech.
Please refer to our website for more information.
2
: to have a direct connection or relationship to (something)
The word "finch" refers to a kind of bird.
The numbers shown in the text refer to footnotes at the bottom of the page.
3
: to talk about or write about (someone or something) especially briefly : to mention (someone or something) in speech or in writing
No one referred to the incident.
Examples of refer to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In some cases, the frost is severe enough to end the growing season and is then referred to as a 'killing frost'.
—
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Told exclusively though the eyes of a family, and not the politicians or perpetrators who are largely just referred to as a deep state company called Cumberland, is an effective idea and certainly hits close to home(s).
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
In the time she was gone, her mom started dating a man referred to as M, who has five kids, three of whom spend time at their house.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, the terms sativa, indica, and hybrid refer to the genetic lineage/origin of cannabis species.
—Carly Fisher, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refer to
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Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Told exclusively though the eyes of a family, and not the politicians or perpetrators who are largely just referred to as a deep state company called Cumberland, is an effective idea and certainly hits close to home(s).
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2025
In the time she was gone, her mom started dating a man referred to as M, who has five kids, three of whom spend time at their house.
—Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 29 Oct. 2025
Meanwhile, the terms sativa, indica, and hybrid refer to the genetic lineage/origin of cannabis species.
—Carly Fisher, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refer to
Cite this Entry
“Refer to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refer%20to. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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