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
Prices were not released for premium plans on the stadium’s lower west (home) side, with those interested referred to the SDSU ticket office at (619) 594-9834.
—
Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
The specifics of what the letter referred to – and whether Epstein even sent the message – are unclear.
—Curt Devine, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
The defendants’ attorneys refer to their clients as protesters.
—Emerson Clarridge
updated February 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Feb. 2026
Jailbreaking in this context refers to a process that removes software restrictions placed on a piece of hardware.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer to
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
The specifics of what the letter referred to – and whether Epstein even sent the message – are unclear.
—Curt Devine, CNN Money, 18 Feb. 2026
The defendants’ attorneys refer to their clients as protesters.
—Emerson Clarridge
updated February 17, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Feb. 2026
Jailbreaking in this context refers to a process that removes software restrictions placed on a piece of hardware.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 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 19 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
