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

It is often referred to as the last colonial conflict in Africa. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 30 Sep. 2026

Asked for a request for comment Tuesday on the senators' letter, Homeland Security referred to the earlier White House response. — Lisa Mascaro, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026

The gun above School Girls’ mantelpiece is the skin-bleaching cream the girls refer to early in the play. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026

Often used to refer to the Air Foamposite One sneaker in short-hand, Foamposite is the name of an advanced upper technology launched by Nike in 1997. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026

Rhymes for refer to

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