referential

adjective

ref·​er·​en·​tial ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-shəl 

: of, containing, or constituting a reference

especially : pointing to or involving a referent

referential language

referential meaning

referentiality

ˌre-fə-ˌren(t)-shē-ˈa-lə-tē 

noun

referentially

ˌre-fə-ˈren(t)-sh(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of referential in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His singing as Andy Boay is more distinct, his lyrics more diaristic and even self-referential. — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026

As with any fan culture, the lore and language are self-referential and constantly evolving. — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026

Constraints, enumerations and referential integrity are miserable work for a person in front of an open gearbox. — Julien Vantyghem, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

The celebrity glam teams always take a little more license at the VMAs to get eccentric, hyperbolically glamorous, referential, or all three. — Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for referential

• consequential
• deferential
• existential
• exponential
• influential
• nonessential
• penitential
• precedential
• preferential
• presidential
• providential
• residential