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
The word originally referred to a list of prices in the context of shipping, linguist and content creator Adam Aleksic told NPR.
—
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
Sullivan identified in the letter that the two individuals the Combs defense is seeking the materials, by description but not by name, as a chef who worked for the hip-hop and fashion mogul and one of his ex-girlfriends; they are referred to as Individual A and Individual B.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
This connection likely refers to the pale color of wheat flour.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
When referred to a corporate emergency hospital, the family was quoted $10,000 for the procedure.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refer to
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rachel Treisman, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
Sullivan identified in the letter that the two individuals the Combs defense is seeking the materials, by description but not by name, as a chef who worked for the hip-hop and fashion mogul and one of his ex-girlfriends; they are referred to as Individual A and Individual B.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 9 Apr. 2025
This connection likely refers to the pale color of wheat flour.
—Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
When referred to a corporate emergency hospital, the family was quoted $10,000 for the procedure.
—Alain Sherter, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for refer to
Cite this Entry
“Refer to.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refer%20to. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share