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
And these seeds—which are also often referred to as cocoa beans—are rich in plant compounds known as flavanols, a type of polyphenol linked to a lower risk of heart disease and diabetes.
—
Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 11 Feb. 2025
The reference to public actions appeared to refer to a Jan. 16 op-ed Williams wrote in City & State, which served as a commentary on public corruption in New York City and Albany and did not mention the mayor.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025
Ellis denied claims alleging she was hired because of the military's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, sometimes referred to as DEI policies.
—Katie Smith, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
All 20 were referred to law enforcement and had zero effect on the election.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
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Elizabeth Yuko, Health, 11 Feb. 2025
The reference to public actions appeared to refer to a Jan. 16 op-ed Williams wrote in City & State, which served as a commentary on public corruption in New York City and Albany and did not mention the mayor.
—Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025
Ellis denied claims alleging she was hired because of the military's diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, sometimes referred to as DEI policies.
—Katie Smith, USA TODAY, 11 Feb. 2025
All 20 were referred to law enforcement and had zero effect on the election.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 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 21 Feb. 2025.
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