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

This refers to the end-of-day cleaning routine that typically takes place in a business, but it can be applied to your residential space too. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026

This cheese is referred to as being sweet and nutty with flavor notes that are reminiscent of maple syrup. —Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The term, popularized by the economist Peter Atwater, refers to the growing split, starting in 2020, between haves and the have-nots. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026

And referring to yourself as my doll. —Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Jan. 2026

Rhymes for refer to

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue