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
After contacting her pediatrician, she was referred to an ophthalmologist, with an appointment scheduled for December.
—
Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Rare earths refer to 17 elements on the periodic table that have an atomic structure that gives them special magnetic properties.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
In some cases, the frost is severe enough to end the growing season and is then referred to as a 'killing frost'.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
And now a new study shows that microgravity, colloquially referred to as zero g, affects astronauts’ motor skills, too.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer to
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Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Rare earths refer to 17 elements on the periodic table that have an atomic structure that gives them special magnetic properties.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026
In some cases, the frost is severe enough to end the growing season and is then referred to as a 'killing frost'.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 20 Apr. 2026
And now a new study shows that microgravity, colloquially referred to as zero g, affects astronauts’ motor skills, too.
—Claire Cameron, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 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 21 Apr. 2026.
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