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

Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. —Jordan Kellogg, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Aug. 2025

The complex will also feature wraparound support services like individualized case management, career services, financial literacy, resource referrals and technology classes. —Irit Skulnik, Baltimore Sun, 6 Aug. 2025

In addition, research published in Labour Economics found that 64% of those who were advanced in the hiring process were the result of referrals. —Tracy Brower, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Check out the HelloFresh meal kit referral program here. —Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 5 Aug. 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