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

If fog, fatigue or libido changes linger weeks after a hit to the head, bring it up at your next appointment and ask whether an endocrinology referral belongs in the plan. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026

Both groups continued getting their usual medical care, which could also include referrals to therapy or medication. — Catherine Demers, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026

But a referral to a surgical oncologist left me feeling hopeful. — Stat Staff, STAT, 15 Oct. 2026

Such referrals, as they are called, typically occur after an officer takes a child into custody. — Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 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