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

Fans For The Cure's work includes hosting awareness nights and free screenings at stadiums and sports arenas, along with community health events, patient advocacy, physician referrals and men's and women's support groups. —Christopher Iasiello, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2025

However, no referral to a specialist was made, according to the BBC. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025

Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. —Jay Cannon, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

In April, Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte sent a criminal referral to Attorney General Pam Bondi, alleging James falsified mortgage records by misrepresenting the property as her primary residence to secure more favorable loan terms. —Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 22 Sep. 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