Etymology
Origin of referral
Explanation
A referral sends someone somewhere, often for help or advice. You'll need a referral from your doctor in order to see a specialist. You could also receive a referral for a job, if someone passes along your application. If you're dealing with a big company or institution, you might get tired of the endless referrals from one department to another. Remember that referral has two r's in the middle, “rr,” like a growl.
Vocabulary lists containing referral
"Efrén Divided" by Ernesto Cisneros, Chapters 1–5
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Half a World Away
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocabulary for December 17–December 23, 2022
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
What’s more, many Advantage plans are structured as health maintenance organizations with limited choices of doctors, referral requirements for specialists, and prior authorization requirements for certain procedures.
From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026
In late February, prediction market Kalshi informed the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Justice Department about suspected trading, people familiar with the referral said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
According to A Place for Mom, a referral service for eldercare, female caregivers report losing 33% of total household income due to caregiving duties.
From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026
"And to anybody experiencing any kind of incontinence, you do not need to suffer in silence - please go and see your GP and try and get a referral to a pelvic health specialist physiotherapist."
From BBC • May 13, 2026
I tell him that if he feels depressed, he should go to his general physician first and get a referral to a psychopharmacologist and go through the process like I did.
From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
