refer
verb (used with object)
to direct for information or anything required.
were referring
-
past progressiveof refer.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
It was unclear whether they were referring to the same ship.
From Barron's ● Aug. 8, 2026
In response to detailed questions, a spokesperson for America First Refining said, “The claims in this story are false,” but declined to specify what they were referring to.
From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2026
“I wanted people to be mad that we were referring to ourselves as something we clearly were not, but then Turnstile happened and we were suddenly part of a scene.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2025
It was not clear which statements Galatasaray were referring to.
From BBC ● Feb. 24, 2025
When he asked politely if she were referring to herself, Cersei had thrown a cup of wine in his face.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
