referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

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

Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025

Some health insurance plans may cover referrals to specialists for issues related to menopause, like bone loss, urinary incontinence and depression. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 24 Jan. 2025

Talk with your healthcare provider and ask for a referral to a specialist who can help manage your pain long-term. —Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. —Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing referral

• self-referral

Kids Definition

referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

: the act or an instance of referring

Medical Definition

referral

noun

re·​fer·​ral ri-ˈfər-əl 

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 

: the act or an instance of referring

appealed the referral of the bill to the Budget Committee