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
Grey-zone tactics refer to a range of aggressive tactics that vary from navy ship patrols to drone flights, but fall short of direct combat.
—
ABC News, 22 June 2026
The only exception to this rule, CMS notes, comes when referring to the Earth in relation to other celestial bodies.
—Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
The incident was referred to the university’s Office of Civil Rights, where it will be investigated according to university policy, a spokesperson for Cornell University told JTA in a statement on June 15.
—Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
Hailey wrote over the image, referring to the father and son having almost identical haircuts.
—Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer to
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ABC News, 22 June 2026
The only exception to this rule, CMS notes, comes when referring to the Earth in relation to other celestial bodies.
—Literary Hub, 22 June 2026
The incident was referred to the university’s Office of Civil Rights, where it will be investigated according to university policy, a spokesperson for Cornell University told JTA in a statement on June 15.
—Jackie Hajdenberg, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2026
Hailey wrote over the image, referring to the father and son having almost identical haircuts.
—Latoya Gayle, PEOPLE, 22 June 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 24 Jun. 2026.
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