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. —Jordan Kellogg, The Enquirer, 8 Dec. 2024

Since establishing his eponymous brand more than two decades ago, Ingram has a reputation for creating a luxury experience built solely on word-of-mouth referrals — with many generational brides passing through his atelier. —Fairchild Studio, WWD, 7 Dec. 2024

This referral underscores Rondesse’s reputation and its collaborative work with various law enforcement agencies. —Kody Boye, USA TODAY, 6 Dec. 2024

After reviewing the results, your provider may suggest further testing, medication changes, or specialist referrals. —Brandi Jones, Msn-Ed, Rn-Bc, Health, 6 Dec. 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