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
Newsom referred to the shortfall as $27.6 billion in 2024-25, but California is making cuts and reductions to solve a total budget deficit of $44.9 billion this year.
—
Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024
Newsom then referred to an announcement from Thursday that state agencies plan to use generative artificial intelligence to help with highway congestion, language access and health care inspections.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 10 May 2024
Changes in sleep pattern Trouble controlling their bladder or bowels (incontinence)
A tendency to wander or get lost
Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline
The final stage of dementia is referred to as severe, advanced, or late-stage.
—Jess Sims, Health, 10 May 2024
Phil DiMartino said, referring to James Muhlbauer, the KCPD officer killed on duty in February 2023.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2024
The full video makes clear Biden was speaking to a specific individual who had previously benefitted from tax cuts for the wealthy, not referring to the whole crowd.
—Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 9 May 2024
Prior to being identified, the man was referred to as Munsingwear Doe, named for a Munsingwear brand jacket found with the remains, according to the statement from the Sheriff's Office.
—Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 9 May 2024
In the Instagram Stories snap, Tatum walked outdoors wearing a black T-shirt that had ‘Kim Kardashian’ written across the chest in bold red letters — referring to his famous aunt — along with several photos of Kim from over the years, including her at the 2019 Met Gala, emblazoned across it.
—Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024
Simply referred to as Boat Three (or B3), the 75-foot monohull broke cover to complete structural and load testing in the waters of Barcelona, Spain.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2024
Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2024
Newsom then referred to an announcement from Thursday that state agencies plan to use generative artificial intelligence to help with highway congestion, language access and health care inspections.
—Stephen Hobbs, Sacramento Bee, 10 May 2024
Changes in sleep pattern Trouble controlling their bladder or bowels (incontinence)
A tendency to wander or get lost
Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline
The final stage of dementia is referred to as severe, advanced, or late-stage.
—Jess Sims, Health, 10 May 2024
Phil DiMartino said, referring to James Muhlbauer, the KCPD officer killed on duty in February 2023.
—Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 9 May 2024
The full video makes clear Biden was speaking to a specific individual who had previously benefitted from tax cuts for the wealthy, not referring to the whole crowd.
—Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 9 May 2024
Prior to being identified, the man was referred to as Munsingwear Doe, named for a Munsingwear brand jacket found with the remains, according to the statement from the Sheriff's Office.
—Coleby Phillips, The Arizona Republic, 9 May 2024
In the Instagram Stories snap, Tatum walked outdoors wearing a black T-shirt that had ‘Kim Kardashian’ written across the chest in bold red letters — referring to his famous aunt — along with several photos of Kim from over the years, including her at the 2019 Met Gala, emblazoned across it.
—Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024
Simply referred to as Boat Three (or B3), the 75-foot monohull broke cover to complete structural and load testing in the waters of Barcelona, Spain.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'refer to.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 17 May. 2024.
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