Definition of refer
referred
;referring
transitive verb
1a (1) : to think of, regard, or classify within a general category or group (2) : to explain in terms of a general causeb : to allot to a particular place, stage, or periodc : to regard as coming from or located in a specific area
2a : to send or direct for treatment, aid, information, or decision refer a patient to a specialist refer a bill back to a committeeb : to direct for testimony or guaranty as to character or ability
intransitive verb
1a : to have relation or connection : relateb : 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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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
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Rohrabacher answered his cell phone but referred me to his press secretary, and then hung up.
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Washburn was referred to his physician who linked his cartilage damage to the disease.
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Trump has repeatedly referred to in tweets and speeches: people who come to the U.S. and commit crimes.
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Police referred her case to the public prosecutor, according to the official Twitter account of state-run TV channel al-Ekhbariya.
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Gov. Brown’s office referred questions on the truckers’ amendment to the ARB, the state’s clean-air agency.
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Your wife may be referring to the fact that there haven't been as many twisters there as in many other areas of the Midwest — and their path lengths, as a general proposition, have often not been as long.
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On Friday, Airbnb spokesman Nick Papas referred back to the company's April statement and did not provide further comment about the California fair housing agency's decision.
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Cascara, which comes from the Spanish word for husk, refers to the dried skin of coffee cherries.
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
REFER Defined for English Language Learners
refer
playDefinition of refer for English Language Learners
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: to send (someone or something) to a particular person or place for treatment, help, advice, etc.
REFER Defined for Kids
refer
playDefinition of refer for Students
referred
;referring
1 : to look at for information She kept referring to her notes.
2 : to send or direct to some person or place for treatment, aid, information, or decision The patient was referred to a specialist.
3 : to call attention Jeremy wondered what had possessed him to refer to Prince Brat as his friend. — Sid Fleischman, The Whipping Boy
4 : to mention (something) in talking or writing
Medical Dictionary
refer
playMedical Definition of refer
referred
;referring
1: to regard as coming from or localized in a certain portion of the body or of space pain of appendicitis may be referred to any region of the abdomen—Encyclopedia Americana
2: to send or direct for diagnosis or treatment refer a patient to a specialist
Law Dictionary
Learn More about refer
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for refer Spanish Central: Translation of refer Nglish: Translation of refer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of refer for Arabic speakers
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