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
The name Tainrakuasuchus combines the Guarani words tain (tooth) and rakua (pointed) with the Greek suchus (crocodile), referring to its sharp teeth.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025
The bill was referred to a Senate committee, but there were no updates on it as of September.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
French has also been criticized for using slurs to referring to gay people and people with disabilities, as well as anti-Muslim posts.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2025
Join Vogue Business senior trends editor Lucy Maguire on Thursday 11 December for an off-the-record conversation with fellow Executive Members (previously referred to as Advanced Members) on how to connect with each generation of consumers.
—Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Nov. 2025
The bill was referred to a Senate committee, but there were no updates on it as of September.
—Bebe Hodges, Cincinnati Enquirer, 12 Nov. 2025
French has also been criticized for using slurs to referring to gay people and people with disabilities, as well as anti-Muslim posts.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Nov. 2025
Join Vogue Business senior trends editor Lucy Maguire on Thursday 11 December for an off-the-record conversation with fellow Executive Members (previously referred to as Advanced Members) on how to connect with each generation of consumers.
—Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 12 Nov. 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 16 Nov. 2025.
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