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

• appertain
• apply
• bear
• pertain
• relate

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

Patients with heart failure are misdiagnosed at a rate of 16% in hospitals and nearly 70% when general practitioners refer patients to specialists, according to a study in the Journal of Cardiac Failure. —Steve Levine, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2024

With the incidents allegedly taking place in Manchester, the outlet reports that Greater Manchester Police have also referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. —Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

Security there referred Woods' complaint to University of Iowa Police. —CBS News, 8 Apr. 2024

An article on March 31 about Matt Farley, a songwriter and filmmaker, referred incorrectly to Taylor, a film student who watched many screenings of Mr. Farley’s films. —New York Times, 7 Apr. 2024

Boeing declined to comment and referred CNN to Southwest for information about plane and fleet operations. —Pete Muntean, CNN, 7 Apr. 2024

Kent police referred the case to police in Los Angeles, where it was eventually presented to the district attorney’s office and Brunson took over. —Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024

See why Mendez referred future questions regarding the shooting to Surprise police. —The Arizona Republic, 3 Apr. 2024

The term now refers less to the exceptional material attributes of an object and more to its price point, which was a trade-off made to turn the business into a fabulously profitable global juggernaut. —Amanda Mull, The Atlantic, 2 Apr. 2024

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

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