refer

verb

re·​fer ri-ˈfər How to pronounce refer (audio)
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
referrer noun

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
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.
Cura Smiles works with several community organizations that refer clients to the clinic, including the San Diego Rescue Mission and Youth Assistance Coalition. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2025 Your real voice builds a tribe of believers who buy from you, hire you, and refer you. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 When asked for additional comment on Sunday morning, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs referred Newsweek to its website post. Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 June 2025 Easy bruising Changes in the color of stool or urine Loss of appetite Fever and chills Your healthcare provider may refer you to a hepatologist for your symptoms. Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for refer

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)

Time Traveler
The first known use of refer was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refer. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

refer

verb
re·​fer ri-ˈfər How to pronounce refer (audio)
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
referrer 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 How to pronounce refer (audio)
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 abdomenEncyclopedia 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 How to pronounce refer (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on refer

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