referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl How to pronounce referral (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Of community referrals, 81% did not offend at all. Everett Eaton, jsonline.com, 3 Sep. 2025 Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Stephanie Kuzydym, The Courier-Journal, 3 Sep. 2025 His judicial reach has extended deep into Brazil's political and digital spheres, with sweeping orders to block social media accounts linked to the January 2023 insurrection, sanctions against X (formerly Twitter), and criminal referrals for digital disinformation campaigns. Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025 Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. Jordan Kellogg, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for referral

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of referral was in 1927

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Referral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referral. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

referral

noun
re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl How to pronounce referral (audio)
: the act or an instance of referring

Medical Definition

referral

noun
re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl How to pronounce referral (audio)
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 How to pronounce referral (audio)
: the act or an instance of referring
appealed the referral of the bill to the Budget Committee

More from Merriam-Webster on referral

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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