refer to
phrasal verb
referred to; referring to; refers to
1
: 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.
2
: 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.
3
: 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
These are often referred to as recalcitrant countries.
—
Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
During his 2015 presidential campaign, Trump had frequently referred to immigration as a dangerous foreign invasion.
—William McCorkle, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025
Of the 11 complaints the agency referred to prosecutors, three stem from a single situation related to potential campaign misconduct in the June primary; in that case, a county prosecutor declined to press charges and returned the matter to the commission.
—Jacob Orledge, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2025
Then there’s the old guard, as Campbell refers to them.
—Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
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Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
During his 2015 presidential campaign, Trump had frequently referred to immigration as a dangerous foreign invasion.
—William McCorkle, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025
Of the 11 complaints the agency referred to prosecutors, three stem from a single situation related to potential campaign misconduct in the June primary; in that case, a county prosecutor declined to press charges and returned the matter to the commission.
—Jacob Orledge, ProPublica, 6 Jan. 2025
Then there’s the old guard, as Campbell refers to them.
—Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for refer to
Dictionary Entries Near refer to
Cite this Entry
“Refer to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refer%20to. Accessed 11 Jan. 2025.
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