referent

noun

ref·​er·​ent ˈre-f(ə-)rənt 

: one that refers or is referred to

especially : the thing that a symbol (such as a word or sign) stands for

referent adjective

Examples of referent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On a metal album, even the ugliest sounds tend to have some earthly referent. — Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 8 June 2026

Social psychologists John French and Bertram Raven identified five primary sources of power in organizations: legitimate, reward, coercive, expert and referent power. — Kisha Wynter, Forbes.com, 24 Mar. 2026

There’s the referent; that’s the raccoon. — Kory Stamper, Longreads, 19 Mar. 2026

The potential metaphoric referents here quickly become clear, and are likely to vary by the viewer. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin referent-, referens, present participle of referre

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for referent

• efferent

Kids Definition

referent

noun

ref·​er·​ent ˈref-(ə-)rənt 

: something that refers or is referred to

especially : the thing a word represents

referent adjective