refer

verb re·fer \ ri-ˈfər \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 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

Prescott said, referring to Le Bon's lawyers comments.

— tresa baldas, Detroit Free Press, "Duran Duran assault accuser: 'This wasn't just a quick grope'," 12 July 2018
Shaw said, referring to the four-day all-star break.

— tom haudricourt, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Pirates 6, Brewers 3: A long stretch of games and an early-morning arrival lead to a rough loss," 12 July 2018
Schnatter allegedly said on the call, referring to the KFC founder.

— stephanie petit, PEOPLE.com, "Papa John's Founder Resigns Amid Fallout Over Using N-Word on Conference Call," 12 July 2018
Gowdy said, referring to one of the agents who showed up at Hillary Clinton's election party.

— kathryn watson, CBS News, "Trey Gowdy vs. Peter Strzok: 15 minutes of fiery exchanges," 12 July 2018
Some fans even referred to their Salomon running shoes as Air Jornets.

— nick heil, Outside Online, "Are Kilian Jornet's Speed Records Too Good to Be True?," 12 July 2018
Kavanaugh has taken positions far to the right of the Scalia court on guns,’’ said Murphy, referring to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who wrote the majority opinion in a key case supporting the Second Amendment.

— christopher keating, courant.com, "Blumenthal, Murphy Highly Concerned About Trump's Supreme Court Pick," 9 July 2018
Mathie said Thursday, referring to the easternmost reef off South Florida’s Atlantic coast, which is 50 feet on the top and 65 feet at the bottom.

— steve waters, miamiherald, "Florida’s annual two-day lobster miniseason coming soon. Here's what you need to know," 6 July 2018
The Ugandan Rolex refers to a omelette mixed with tomatoes and onions contained in a rice flour wrap.

— patrick z. mcgavin, Aurora Beacon-News, "Guide to outdoor dining in Chicago suburbs: Endiro Coffee in Aurora," 6 July 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