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. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025

Jobs are often 'pre-filled' with a referral before they're posted. —Gina Riley, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

The group will provide information and support so that participants have the necessary resources and referrals as their children transition to school, employment and beyond, a news release said. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025

The program has already shown success in several schools, with students benefiting from prompt medical attention and referrals when necessary. —Unitedhealthcare, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing referral

• self-referral

Rhymes for referral

• deferral
• epidural
• postdoctoral
• predoctoral
• neral
• squirrel
• sural

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