refer to

phrasal verb

referred to; referring to; refers to

: to look at or in (something) for information

She often refers to her notes when giving a speech.

Please refer to our website for more information.

: to have a direct connection or relationship to (something)

The word "finch" refers to a kind of bird.

The numbers shown in the text refer to footnotes at the bottom of the page.

: to talk about or write about (someone or something) especially briefly : to mention (someone or something) in speech or in writing

No one referred to the incident.

Examples of refer to in a Sentence

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.

Here, timing refers to the timing of principal and interest payments. —

William Baldwin, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025 Refined carbs can also refer to refined and processed sugars, like corn syrup, and products made with them. —

Jillian Kubala, Health, 18 Jan. 2025 Asked to comment for this article, the CIA referred to remarks by the agency’s director William Burns during an on-stage interview in October. —

Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 17 Jan. 2025 Brain Fog Brain fog refers to the inability to concentrate and think clearly. —

Daniel More, Verywell Health, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for refer to