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

Positive customer metrics are often downstream of onboarding: expansion, retention and referrals. —Paul Holder, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025

Through their programs, such as the CAPE New Writers Fellowship and the CAPE Leaders Fellowship, their consulting and talent referral services, our research and tip sheets, and the CAPE Database, CAPE is breaking barriers to representation from the writers’ room to the boardroom to the living room. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 19 May 2025

Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 18 May 2025

In preparation for the funding change, the shelter has paused referrals via the Coordinated Access System, which is designed to match people with housing and service options. —Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing referral

• self-referral

Rhymes for referral

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

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