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

Advocate for a medication review and physical therapy referral before discharge. —Adaira Landry, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

Current rules dictate the council can only add a topic to meeting agendas either at the mayor’s referral or if a majority of the 11 members vote to do so. —Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 27 May 2026

The delays violated an ICE standard requiring mental health treatment within a week of a referral. —CBS News, 27 May 2026

Rush was arrested by the FBI on May 19, following a referral from the CIA, the agency spokespersons said. —Luke Barr, ABC News, 27 May 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