refer to
phrasal 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 affidavit refers to Muñoz-Guatemala as being from Guatemala, while a DHS press release described him as being from Mexico.
—
Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
The final part of the dormancy evolution puzzle is what ecologists refer to as the ecological niche a species occupies — the specific set of conditions that species evolved to exploit or the conditions under which that species is likely to be more successful when compared to other species.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
For additional details, refer to the official Oklahoma Lottery claim page.
—Staff, Oklahoman, 8 Jan. 2026
It's supposed to control inflation, which is technically referred to as price stability, so not allowing prices to just go crazy, and also full employment.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer to
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Allison Gordon, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
The final part of the dormancy evolution puzzle is what ecologists refer to as the ecological niche a species occupies — the specific set of conditions that species evolved to exploit or the conditions under which that species is likely to be more successful when compared to other species.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
For additional details, refer to the official Oklahoma Lottery claim page.
—Staff, Oklahoman, 8 Jan. 2026
It's supposed to control inflation, which is technically referred to as price stability, so not allowing prices to just go crazy, and also full employment.
—Dana Taylor, USA Today, 8 Jan. 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 10 Jan. 2026.
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