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
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Half a World Away
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocabulary for December 17–December 23, 2022
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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.
Tillis said Sunday he received assurances from the Justice Department that the criminal investigation wouldn’t be reopened unless the inspector general issues a criminal referral.
From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026
The Help with Health Costs scheme provides individuals and their dependants with help for travel costs associated with medical treatment on referral from a doctor or dentist.
From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026
There is also going to be a streamlined process for referral to appropriate clinicians with the aim of cutting down long waits for treatment.
From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026
Ramkhamhaeng Hospital’s enlarged network enhances referral potential, cross-selling opportunities and bargaining power with insurers and suppliers, the analyst says.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 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.
