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 An article on Saturday about the co-founder of a group that works to deactivate unexploded bombs left behind by the Vietnam War referred imprecisely to an arm injury Ho Van Lai sustained in a cluster bomb explosion. New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024 Cohen was referring of course to his ‘60s decade-long relationship with Norway’s Marianne Ilhen, which shaped him for life. John Hopewell, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 Still, Schiffer referred back to the careful work Kate and William have done over the years to build their royal brand as caring, engaged representatives of the British people. Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2024 The district attorney may choose to step aside, along with the whole of her office, and refer the prosecution to the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council for reassignment. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2024 The path of least resistance to defeat the legislation is for Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) to refer it to the Commerce Committee, said Akash Chougule, vice president of right-wing advocacy group Americans for Prosperity. Aaron Schaffer, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024 By referring the case back to the city, Quintana-Lujan effectively avoided any felony charges. Alexandra Hardle, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Goss referred additional questions about parking impacts to WisDOT. Tom Daykin, Journal Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2024 In 2023, hoping to resolve the situation, Meta referred the controversy concerning the post to its Oversight Board. Darius Tahir, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near refer

Cite this Entry

“Refer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refer. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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