refer to
verb
referred to; referring to; refers to
1
: to look at or in (something) for information
She often refers to her notes when giving a speech.
Please refer to our website for more information.
2
: to have a direct connection or relationship to (something)
The word "finch" refers to a kind of bird.
The numbers shown in the text refer to footnotes at the bottom of the page.
3
: to talk about or write about (someone or something) especially briefly : to mention (someone or something) in speech or in writing
No one referred to the incident.
Examples of refer to in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The name refers to the number of lottery entries, in the form of Ping-Pong balls, that different teams would receive, according to the plan.
—
Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 May 2026
New Britain Democrats released a scathing report that charged a pattern of misconduct and favoritism by the tax collector in a case that has been referred to prosecutors.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
After the House impeached the Vice President for the first time last year, the Senate effectively shelved the proceedings, referring to the Supreme Court ruling.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 11 May 2026
Plus, the Red Sea cocktail is named after the Chiefs’ fandom, which is referred to by the same name, because of the crowds of red jerseys.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer to
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Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 11 May 2026
New Britain Democrats released a scathing report that charged a pattern of misconduct and favoritism by the tax collector in a case that has been referred to prosecutors.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 11 May 2026
After the House impeached the Vice President for the first time last year, the Senate effectively shelved the proceedings, referring to the Supreme Court ruling.
—Chad De Guzman, Time, 11 May 2026
Plus, the Red Sea cocktail is named after the Chiefs’ fandom, which is referred to by the same name, because of the crowds of red jerseys.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer to
Cite this Entry
“Refer to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refer%20to. Accessed 12 May. 2026.
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