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

An orthopedic surgeon evaluated Parias and also provided a physical therapy referral, according to DHS, though by May his pain was still not relieving. —Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 20 June 2026

The complaint says the internal evaluation later led to referrals to the Justice Department, Office of Government Ethics and comptroller’s office. —Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 19 June 2026

Jobs quietly filled through networks and referrals. —Jennie Glazer, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Originally, Athlete Creditor limited referrals to House class members, but has since expanded the program, allowing anyone to participate. —Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 17 June 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