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
One of the majors is referred to as being named head of CED in 2022 and leaving the division in 2025.
—
David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025
The top 1% here refers to income earners.
—Ray Madoff, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025
They were referred to the American Red Cross for temporary housing options.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
The national average credit card rate being offered to new customers, though, probably won't move much since that refers to new offers don't necessarily need to change, Rossman said.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refer to
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 17 Dec. 2025
The top 1% here refers to income earners.
—Ray Madoff, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025
They were referred to the American Red Cross for temporary housing options.
—Paula Wethington, CBS News, 16 Dec. 2025
The national average credit card rate being offered to new customers, though, probably won't move much since that refers to new offers don't necessarily need to change, Rossman said.
—Susan Tompor, USA Today, 16 Dec. 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 20 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share