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
These families were then referred to LA Family Housing for a detailed eligibility assessment before being placed in apartments.
—
Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
Some are referred to the Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. of Tarrant County, which provides alternatives to detention and state incarceration by providing counseling, mentors and community service, helping to reduce the number of repeat offenders.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2024
The date refers to a special that the pair recorded at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 3 and 5, 2021, to celebrate Bennett’s 95th birthday.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024
The fungus manipulates the cicadas’ behavior, causing what researchers including Kasson refer to as hypersexualization.
—Kate Golembiewski, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024
Activists on social media referred to the demonstrations as a coordinated day of economic protest of the Israel-Gaza war.
—Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2024
The name refers to the legend of St. Patrick expelling snakes from Ireland.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2024
The end of her caption referred to legendary fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, who died at his home in Italy on the day Carpenter wore his clothes for her performance on April 12.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024
Manhattanites took special ferries, referred to as Beecher’s Boats, across the East River to hear his sermons.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2024
Anthony De Leon, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2024
Some are referred to the Youth Advocate Programs (YAP), Inc. of Tarrant County, which provides alternatives to detention and state incarceration by providing counseling, mentors and community service, helping to reduce the number of repeat offenders.
—Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Apr. 2024
The date refers to a special that the pair recorded at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on August 3 and 5, 2021, to celebrate Bennett’s 95th birthday.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 Apr. 2024
The fungus manipulates the cicadas’ behavior, causing what researchers including Kasson refer to as hypersexualization.
—Kate Golembiewski, CNN, 15 Apr. 2024
Activists on social media referred to the demonstrations as a coordinated day of economic protest of the Israel-Gaza war.
—Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 15 Apr. 2024
The name refers to the legend of St. Patrick expelling snakes from Ireland.
—Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 15 Apr. 2024
The end of her caption referred to legendary fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, who died at his home in Italy on the day Carpenter wore his clothes for her performance on April 12.
—Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024
Manhattanites took special ferries, referred to as Beecher’s Boats, across the East River to hear his sermons.
—Louis Menand, The New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refer to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near refer to
Cite this Entry
“Refer to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refer%20to. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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