Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
“They’re not your agent. As the job seeker, you find the exact job that you want to apply to and ask for a referral for that.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 18, 2026
Outcomes can range from advice on exercise to a specialist referral and even surgery, Lu said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026
Solicitor General Ellie Reeves KC MP said she hoped the referral would help to bring justice to Nowak's family.
From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026
CBS News reported he worked for the CIA, while the FBI has said it conducted the investigation and search after receiving a referral from the CIA.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
I was sent home with a referral to see a therapist so I could learn how to manage my anxiety and identify my triggers or whatever.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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.
