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

McMahon said the case may be referred to the Justice Department if New York refuses. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025

In the middle ages, Arab mathematicians advanced the Greeks’ theory of prime numbers, referred to as hasam numbers during this time. —Jeremiah Bartz, The Conversation, 30 May 2025

Backlog refers to homes under contract that are not yet closed. —David Trainer, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

Overland Park officials referred to Fiserv for questions related to the site’s mortgage sale. —Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 30 May 2025

Rhymes for refer to

• amadou
• avenue
• ballyhoo
• baraboo
• barbecue
• barbeque
• bugaboo
• cabildo
• caribou
• cockatoo
• detinue
• devalue