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

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

Mimetic verisimilitude was never grounded in a simple correspondence with a referent, but in a preoccupation with the concepts of likelihood and plausibility, raising questions about how representations operate discursively. —Patrick R. Crowley, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2026

This is referent power, which comes from people wanting to be associated with you because of your character and values. —Melody Wilding, CNBC, 4 Jan. 2026

Ansari argues that the Constitutional Revolution of 1906 continues to frame Iranian political debates, providing the historical referent for nationalists in their battle with religious fundamentalists over who had revolutionary legitimacy. —Foreign Affairs, 21 Oct. 2025

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