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 charity’s logo used to refer to getting veterans into business. — Susan Sarkauskas, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026

Bailey said that in situations where children are suffering from a severe mental health crisis, such as suicidal thoughts, they will be referred to professional mental health services. — Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Nov. 2026

Although formally known in Puerto Rico as El Día de Acción de Gracias, in true Boricua fashion, Thanksgiving is often referred to as Sanguiving, a play on words that gestures to the Roman Catholicism that remains the region’s predominant religion. — Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Nov. 2026

Of course, the situation was made complicated last month when On’s newest ambassador and face of its new football line Kylian Mbappé laughed at a meme of his face on Mao Zedong’s body and referred to the former leader as a dictator. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2026

Rhymes for refer to

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue