refer

verb

re·​fer ri-ˈfər 

referred; referring

transitive verb

1

a(1)

: to think of, regard, or classify within a general category or group

(2)

: to explain in terms of a general cause

b

: to allot to a particular place, stage, or period

c

: to regard as coming from or located in a specific area

2

a

: to send or direct for treatment, aid, information, or decision

refer a patient to a specialist

refer a bill back to a committee

b

: to direct for testimony or guaranty as to character or ability

intransitive verb

1

a

: to have relation or connection : relate

b

: to direct attention usually by clear and specific mention

no one referred to yesterday's quarrel

2

: to have recourse : glance briefly

referred frequently to his notes while speaking

referable

ˈre-f(ə-)rə-bəl  ri-ˈfər-ə- 

adjective

referrer

ri-ˈfər-ər 

noun

Synonyms of refer

• apply
• relate
• pertain

Examples of refer in a Sentence

How can doctors refer patients for treatment without examining them first?

Most of the patients we see here were referred by other doctors.

Recent Examples on the Web

For Cabinet or senior officials, OSC refers its findings to the President, who determines disciplinary action. — Connor Greene, Time, 1 Nov. 2026

Pappas' campaign referred CNBC to his comments on Social Security during the recent AARP forum. — Lorie Konish, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2026

Norris referred the Sun Sentinel’s questions to a representative, who said the principal only thought Cannon was using the gym as part of his normal duties as a coach. — Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026

Schnell referred questions to his attorneys, who didn’t immediately respond to an email from the Associated Press seeking comment. — Heather Hollingsworth, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English referren, from Anglo-French referer, referir, from Latin referre to bring back, report, refer, from re- + ferre to carry — more at bear

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Phrases Containing refer

• cross-refer
• refer to
• refer to as
• self-refer

Rhymes for refer

• chauffeur
• cockspur
• concur
• confer
• defer
• demur
• deter
• hotspur
• incur
• infer
• inter
• jagir

Kids Definition

refer

verb

re·​fer ri-ˈfər 

referred; referring

1

: to explain in terms of a general cause

referred the defeat to poor training

2

: to go, send, or guide to some person or place for treatment, help, advice, or information

refer them to a dictionary

refer a patient to a specialist

refer to the dictionary for the meaning of a word

3

: to have relationship : relate

the asterisk refers to a footnote

4

: to call attention : make reference

no one referred to yesterday's quarrel

referable

ˈref-(ə-)rə-bəl  ri-ˈfər-ə- 

adjective

referrer

ri-ˈfər-ər 

noun

Etymology

Middle English referren, referen "to think of or place in a certain relationship, make a connection with in the mind," derived from Latin referre, literally, "to carry back," from re- "back, again" and ferre "to bear, carry, yield" — related to defer entry 1, offer

Medical Definition

refer

transitive verb

re·​fer ri-ˈfər 

referred; referring

1

: to regard as coming from or localized in a certain portion of the body or of space

pain of appendicitis may be referred to any region of the abdomen

—Encyclopedia Americana

2

: to send or direct for diagnosis or treatment

refer a patient to a specialist

Legal Definition

refer

transitive verb

re·​fer ri-ˈfər 

referred; referring

: to send or direct for treatment, aid, service, information, or decision

referred the debtor to an attorney with expertise in bankruptcy

specifically : commit sense 1c