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

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

Then there’s the gutting ending, which is about oblivion, how everything disappears, including our referents. —John Hopewell, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025

The result is a generation of consumers rotating through aesthetic costumes, each promising authentic self-expression while delivering its opposite: a wardrobe of references with no referent, style without substance. —Jailynn Taylor, Essence, 8 July 2025

The artist’s referents are often highly particular and deeply studied: Take PRIVATE DANCER, 2020, an homage to Tina Turner (the artist is a superfan). —Ellen Y. Tani, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024

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