refer

verb re·fer \ ri-ˈfər \

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

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

Najib said on Friday, referring to his ruling coalition Barisan Nasional.

— Bloomberg.com, "Najib Calls Malaysia Vote With Party's 60-Year Rule at Stake," 17 Apr. 2018
Some folks refer to hardening off plants in cold frames, but unless the lid of the cold frame is raised, your seedlings are not exposed to direct sun or wind.

— margaret lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Don’t jump the gun on spring planting | Idaho Statesman," 17 Apr. 2018
Aldermen voted unanimously in favor of what is referred to as a wage and insurance rollover agreement between two locals of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

— steve lord, Aurora Beacon-News, "Aurora approves raises for union city employees," 16 Apr. 2018
Stinson said, referring to suggestions made by some homeowners.

— michelle iracheta, Houston Chronicle, "Funding an issue for Woodlands drainage groups," 14 Apr. 2018
For example, if someone called the hotline to report a child being abused by a teacher or coach, operators would refer them to police, because those people aren't the child's parent or guardian.

— The Republic | azcentral.com, "Understand the system | How Arizona's child-protective services are supposed to work," 13 Apr. 2018
Throughout the trial, testimony referred to Elgin and how Wheeler and Shelton followed what their boss decided.

— becky jacobs, Post-Tribune, "Attorneys make closing arguments in Calumet Township corruption trial," 13 Apr. 2018
Roberto rarely uttered Trump’s name, instead referring to him as the disturbio, the disturbance.

— gabriel thompson, Longreads, "Coachella, Underground," 12 Apr. 2018
Checkers’ coach Mike Vellucci said Sunday, referring to the first round of the playoffs.

— steve lyttle, charlotteobserver, "The Charlotte Checkers have won 5 straight games. Now for the really good news. | Charlotte Observer," 8 Apr. 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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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