referral

[ ri-fur-uhl ]

noun

1. an act of referring; the state of being referred.
2. an instance of referring.
3. a person recommended to someone or for something.

Word History and Origins

Origin of referral¹

First recorded in 1930–35; refer + -al ²

Example Sentences

The force said it had made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because there was previous contact with Ms Brella.

From BBC

Northamptonshire Police said it had made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct because of previous contact between the force and Ms Brella.

From BBC

The centre in Swansea does not currently accept patients from outside the health board area, while Cardiff said it considers outside referrals "where appropriate".

From BBC

Over these two academic years, 82% of pupil referral units and alternative provision settings reported improved attendance in young people mentored as well as improved relationships with peers and teaching staff.

From BBC

The first is a verbal reminder to the student, followed by a “referral to a counselor” and then outreach to a parent or guardian.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• barometer
• criterion
• frame of reference
• touchstone
• yardstick