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

Swalwell's lawyers argue the referral violates his First Amendment rights -- allegedly punishing him for his criticism of the president -- as well as a federal law that prohibits federal officials from disclosing sensitive information about any individual unless it is explicitly authorized by law. —Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 25 Nov. 2025

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. —Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 25 Nov. 2025

Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. —Jay Cannon, USA Today, 24 Nov. 2025

The Heading Home Campaign, created through a referral by Ellenberg, whose District 4 includes Campbell, and former Supervisor Cindy Chavez, launched in 2021 in collaboration with the Office of Supportive Housing (OSH). —Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 23 Nov. 2025

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
• 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