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
Note that Tesla refers to the new Model Y as a 2026 model year in official documentation.
—
Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Commonly referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial, this statue is inspired by the iconic 1945 photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, capturing six Marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
In 1889, labor advocates deemed May 1 International Workers' Day, also referred to as May Day.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 May 2025
There was a time when nude nail polish—much like Crayola's infamous and now-retired Flesh crayon—referred to a single light-toned skin color, overlooking the many shades that nude can truly represent.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for refer to
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Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 4 May 2025
Commonly referred to as the Iwo Jima Memorial, this statue is inspired by the iconic 1945 photograph taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, capturing six Marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima.
—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 3 May 2025
In 1889, labor advocates deemed May 1 International Workers' Day, also referred to as May Day.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 2 May 2025
There was a time when nude nail polish—much like Crayola's infamous and now-retired Flesh crayon—referred to a single light-toned skin color, overlooking the many shades that nude can truly represent.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 2 May 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 9 May. 2025.
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