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
As 2020 research explains, this refers to one partner’s ability to help regulate the other’s emotions during times of distress.
—
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
The executive order related to environmental justice, for example, was rooted in civil rights legislation from the 1970s, Vander Woude said, so the document can refer to discrimination based on that legislation.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
The organisation did not clarify what this new bracket refers to, but tickets on FIFA’s partner Ticketmaster are now showing up as vastly reduced compared to the lowest prices that were available to fans earlier this year.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 17 May 2025
During the press conference at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Stone beamed when the reporter referred to her by her birth name of Emily.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 17 May 2025
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.
Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
The executive order related to environmental justice, for example, was rooted in civil rights legislation from the 1970s, Vander Woude said, so the document can refer to discrimination based on that legislation.
—Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025
The organisation did not clarify what this new bracket refers to, but tickets on FIFA’s partner Ticketmaster are now showing up as vastly reduced compared to the lowest prices that were available to fans earlier this year.
—Adam Crafton, New York Times, 17 May 2025
During the press conference at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, Stone beamed when the reporter referred to her by her birth name of Emily.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 17 May 2025
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 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share