referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

1

: the act, action, or an instance of referring

gave the patient a referral to a specialist

2

: one that is referred

Examples of referral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Other possible penalties include attending a continuing education program or referral to the state bar association, Novak added. —Andi Babineau, CNN Money, 12 June 2026

The agency declined to disclose to CBS Colorado how many referrals have been made to tax auditors or how many investigations are currently underway. —Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 12 June 2026

Have referral and rewards programs in place. —Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

That action could include referral to the Justice Department and termination of federal funding, the release said. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 11 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing referral

• self-referral

Rhymes for referral

• deferral
• epidural
• postdoctoral
• predoctoral
• neral
• squirrel

Kids Definition

referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

: the act or an instance of referring

Medical Definition

referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

1

: the process of directing or redirecting (as a medical case or a patient) to an appropriate specialist or agency for definitive treatment

2

: an individual that is referred

Legal Definition

referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

: the act or an instance of referring

appealed the referral of the bill to the Budget Committee