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

Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. —Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 8 Sep. 2024

Success in one rhinoplasty case can lead to word-of-mouth referrals and, eventually, a global reputation as a leader in this specific procedure. —Lara Devgan, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

Only 5% of referrals resulted in actual investigations. —Laura Romero, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2024

The Samaritan Car Care Clinic finds women to assist through referrals from Northern Kentucky social service agencies. —Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 3 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing referral

• self-referral

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