refer
verb (used with object)
to direct for information or anything required.
had been referring
-
past perfect progressiveof refer.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
Rumiantsev confirmed in court that she had been referring to Barron Trump, and that she had showed him messages between them earlier that evening.
From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2026
"We weren't talking to banks to get a $20-billion loan, we were talking to the United States ... and two other countries," Caputo said, clarifying that this is what Bessent had been referring to.
From Barron's ● Dec. 3, 2025
The White House later clarified that the government would comply with the court order and said the president had been referring to future uses of the fund.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2025
When she asked him if he had been referring to Carroll when he said in June 2019 that people who make false accusations of rape should “pay dearly,” he said yes, smiling slightly.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 28, 2024
Most likely, Trey had been referring to our close friendship.
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
