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, 26 Nov. 2025
Courts have established a standard referred to as objective reasonableness when considering whether a use of force was justified, relying heavily on the perspective of the specific officer in that specific scenario.
—Claudia Lauer, Fortune, 26 Nov. 2025
If the judge determines the temporary restraining order was violated, the matter could be referred to prosecutors for independent evaluation, though a referral itself does not constitute a finding of guilt.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
In Texas, this refers to 3- and 4-year-olds who are from low-income households, are experiencing homelessness, are unable to speak or comprehend English, or have a parent who is an active-duty military member.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refer to
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Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Nov. 2025
Courts have established a standard referred to as objective reasonableness when considering whether a use of force was justified, relying heavily on the perspective of the specific officer in that specific scenario.
—Claudia Lauer, Fortune, 26 Nov. 2025
If the judge determines the temporary restraining order was violated, the matter could be referred to prosecutors for independent evaluation, though a referral itself does not constitute a finding of guilt.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025
In Texas, this refers to 3- and 4-year-olds who are from low-income households, are experiencing homelessness, are unable to speak or comprehend English, or have a parent who is an active-duty military member.
—Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Nov. 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 27 Nov. 2025.
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