refer

verb re·fer \ ri-ˈfər \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 2018

Examples: refer in a Sentence

Definition of refer

referred; referring

transitive verb

1 a (1) : to think of, regard, or classify within a general category or group

(2) : to explain in terms of a general cause

b : to allot to a particular place, stage, or period

c : to regard as coming from or located in a specific area

2 a : to send or direct for treatment, aid, information, or decision

refer a patient to a specialist

refer a bill back to a committee

b : to direct for testimony or guaranty as to character or ability

intransitive verb

1 a : to have relation or connection : relate

b : to direct attention usually by clear and specific mention

no one referred to yesterday's quarrel

2 : to have recourse : glance briefly

referred frequently to his notes while speaking

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referable

play \ˈre-f(ə-)rə-bəl, ri-ˈfər-ə-\ adjective

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referrer

play \ri-ˈfər-ər\ noun

See refer defined for English-language learners

See refer defined for kids

Examples of refer in a Sentence

How can doctors refer patients for treatment without examining them first?
Most of the patients we see here were referred by other doctors.

Recent Examples of refer from the Web

The president gave some insight into what the leaders discussed, and referred to the document the pair signed—before reporters had seen an official version.

— siobhan morrin, Time, "'Think of It From a Real Estate Perspective': The Most Memorable Quotes From the Trump-Kim Summit Press Conference," 12 June 2018
Al-Halabi, who the children refer to as Baba, or Dad, said the children still reminisce about Aleppo.

— sarah el deeb and malak harb, Fox News, "Syrian orphans who fled Aleppo find new home," 11 June 2018
Though referred to as a special election, the election for the replacement council member would be held at the same time as the November general election, White said.

— emily sorensen, Pomerado News, "Poway City Council accepting applications for vacant seat," 9 June 2018
That's another reason people referred by PR people were guarded.

— aimee levitt, Chicago Reader, "Chicagoans / Media / Behind Our Scenes Anne Ford, the Reader's Studs Terkel, tells all: 'It's all being curious'," 8 June 2018
If most of America’s allies (which Mr Trump often refers to as competitors) are unhappy, its real strategic competitors, Russia and China, are making hay.

— The Economist, "Donald Trump is undermining the rules-based international order," 7 June 2018
Frankis said, referring to the Training for Intervention ProcedureS program for employees of businesses that sell alcohol.

— david anderson, The Aegis, "Harford liquor board fines four businesses for selling to a minor," 7 June 2018
Yeah, the money, that’s how most people refer to me.

— théoden janes, charlotteobserver, "Anderson Cooper abruptly ended this interview, but we (and Andy Cohen) understand why," 6 June 2018
Kendall Jenner, who once comically referred to Richie as one of Disick’s children, kissed someone in public.

— allie jones, The Cut, "Why Did Sofia Richie, 19, Take Scott Disick, 35, Back?," 6 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'refer.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of refer

Middle English referren, from Anglo-French referer, referir, from Latin referre to bring back, report, refer, from re- + ferre to carry — more at bear

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

See Words from the same year