referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl How to pronounce referral (audio)
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
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.
If fog, fatigue or libido changes linger weeks after a hit to the head, bring it up at your next appointment and ask whether an endocrinology referral belongs in the plan. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 Both groups continued getting their usual medical care, which could also include referrals to therapy or medication. — Catherine Demers, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 But a referral to a surgical oncologist left me feeling hopeful. — Stat Staff, STAT, 15 Oct. 2026 Such referrals, as they are called, typically occur after an officer takes a child into custody. — Kristian Hernández, San Antonio Express-News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for referral

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of referral was circa 1790

Phrases Containing referral

Rhymes for referral

See All Rhymes for referral

Browse Nearby Words

referential
referral
referred
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Referral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referral. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

referral

noun
re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl How to pronounce referral (audio)
: the act or an instance of referring

Medical Definition

referral

noun
re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl How to pronounce referral (audio)
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 How to pronounce referral (audio)
: the act or an instance of referring
appealed the referral of the bill to the Budget Committee
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