Refer (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

verb (used with object), re·ferred, re·fer·ring.

to direct for information or anything required: He referred me to books on astrology.
to direct the attention or thoughts of: The asterisk refers the reader to a footnote.
to hand over or submit for information, consideration, treatment, assistance, decision, etc.: They were forced to refer the argument to arbitration.The doctor will decide whether to carry out blood tests in the office or to refer the patient to a hospital.
to recommend: My electrician went above and beyond, and I would definitely refer her to a friend.
to assign to a class, period, etc.; regard as belonging or related: Animals referred to the phylum Platyhelminthes are also known as flatworms due to their flattened bodies.

Verb Phrases

to have recourse or resort to; turn to, as for aid or information: I can't remember the answer offhand, so I'll have to refer to my notes.
to mention; speak briefly of: The author referred to his teachers twice in the article.
to relate to; apply to; mean or denote: The term “contingency fee” refers to an arrangement where legal fees are due to the attorney only if the case is successful.
to direct attention to, as a reference mark does: Each number refers to an endnote.

verb -fers, -ferring or -ferred (often foll by to)

to make mention (of)
to direct the attention of (someone) for information, facts, etc
to seek information (from)
to be relevant (to); pertain or relate (to)
to assign or attribute
to hand over for consideration, reconsideration, or decision
to hand back to the originator as unacceptable or unusable
to fail (a student) in an examination
to send back (a thesis) to a student for improvement
a request by a bank that the payee consult the drawer concerning a cheque payable by that bank (usually because the drawer has insufficient funds in his account), payment being suspended in the meantime
to direct (a patient) for treatment to another doctor, usually a specialist
to direct (a client) to another agency or professional for a service