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 from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. —Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025

Over the years, Ricky's name was used for various sign-ups—burner emails, promotional offers and even as a placeholder for referrals. —David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025

Its services include helping those who have lost vital documents such as birth certificates and drivers' licenses, as well as referrals to services including mental health counselling. —Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025

Research suggests that up to 80% of job openings are filled through networking and referrals rather than traditional applications. —Chris Westfall, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

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