referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl How to pronounce referral (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Patients can consult their primary care physician for referrals to genetic counselors. Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 15 May 2026 Women assemble the patchwork themselves including ibuprofen, a heating pad, a referral to pelvic physical therapy, maybe a CBD product found on Instagram. Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 15 May 2026 Contact your veterinarian, explain your emotional state and ask for a referral to a grief support group. Abigail Van Buren, Boston Herald, 14 May 2026 One key in good PMOS treatment is finding healthcare providers who can really take the time to look at the whole picture and make good referrals to make a plan together, Boots said. Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for referral

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of referral was circa 1790

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Referral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referral. Accessed 19 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

referral

noun
re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl How to pronounce referral (audio)
: the act or an instance of referring

Medical Definition

referral

noun
re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl How to pronounce referral (audio)
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 How to pronounce referral (audio)
: the act or an instance of referring
appealed the referral of the bill to the Budget Committee

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