referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

1

: the act, action, or an instance of referring

gave the patient a referral to a specialist

2

: one that is referred

Examples of referral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Robinson’s defense attorneys suggested lesser penalties could include ordering Ballard to attend a continuing education program or a referral to the state bar association. — Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 26 June 2026

Word-of-mouth still matters, but relying on provider referrals alone can be limiting in a digital-first healthcare environment, where patients evaluate providers long before making contact. — Ajay Prasad, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 23 June 2026

The laboratory also paid Lopez and her family about $335,000 for referrals for the fraudulent tests, which prosecutors said Lopez used to pay co-conspirators or spent at a casino. — Andrea Klick, Daily News, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing referral

• self-referral

Rhymes for referral

• deferral
• epidural
• postdoctoral
• predoctoral
• neral
• squirrel

Kids Definition

referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

: the act or an instance of referring

Medical Definition

referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

1

: the process of directing or redirecting (as a medical case or a patient) to an appropriate specialist or agency for definitive treatment

2

: an individual that is referred

Legal Definition

referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

: the act or an instance of referring

appealed the referral of the bill to the Budget Committee