refer to
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
To the extent that their fellow-citizens refer to them at all, our government functionaries are perceived not as active agents of change but as inert, self-protecting obstructions.
—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 July 2026
Canada and Japan discussed joint mining projects, off-take agreements, which refer to a guarantee of a producer’s future output, and shared stockpiling arrangements, according to Mining Digital.
—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
4 July 2026
The young girls are referred to as Heaven’s 27 by their surviving families, who are determined to honor their legacy by ensuring such a catastrophe never happens again.
—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
4 July 2026
He is often referred to as the King of Pop, but the superstar's catalog also includes rock, R&B, dance and other styles as well.
—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
See All Example Sentences for refer to
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The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
4 July 2026
Canada and Japan discussed joint mining projects, off-take agreements, which refer to a guarantee of a producer’s future output, and shared stockpiling arrangements, according to Mining Digital.
—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
4 July 2026
The young girls are referred to as Heaven’s 27 by their surviving families, who are determined to honor their legacy by ensuring such a catastrophe never happens again.
—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
4 July 2026
He is often referred to as the King of Pop, but the superstar's catalog also includes rock, R&B, dance and other styles as well.
—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2026
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 5 Jul. 2026.
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