reference

[ ref-er-uhns, ref-ruhns ]

noun

1. an act or instance of referring.
2. a mention; allusion.
3. something for which a name or designation stands; denotation.
4. a direction in a book or writing to some other book, passage, etc.

   Synonyms: citation, note

5. a book, passage, etc., to which one is directed.
6. reference mark ( def 2 ).
7. material contained in a footnote or bibliography, or referred to by a reference mark.
8. use or recourse for purposes of information:

   a library for public reference.

9. a book or other source of useful facts or information, such as an encyclopedia, dictionary, etc.
10. a person to whom one refers for testimony as to one's character, abilities, etc.
11. a statement, usually written, as to a person's character, abilities, etc.

    Synonyms: endorsement

12. relation, regard, or respect:

    all persons, without reference to age.

    Synonyms: concern, consideration

verb (used with object)

, ref·er·enced, ref·er·enc·ing.

1. to furnish (a book, dissertation, etc.) with references:

   Each new volume is thoroughly referenced.

2. to arrange (notes, data, etc.) for easy reference:

   Statistical data is referenced in the glossary.

3. to refer to:

   to reference a file.

reference

/ ˈrɛfərəns; ˌrɛfəˈrɛnʃəl; ˈrɛfrəns /

noun

1. the act or an instance of referring
2. something referred, esp proceedings submitted to a referee in law
3. a direction of the attention to a passage elsewhere or to another book, document, etc
4. a book or passage referred to
5. a mention or allusion

   this book contains several references to the Civil War

6. philosophy
   1. the relation between a word, phrase, or symbol and the object or idea to which it refers
   2. the object referred to by an expression Compare sense
7. 1. a source of information or facts
   2. ( as modifier )

      a reference book

      a reference library

8. a written testimonial regarding one's character or capabilities
9. a person referred to for such a testimonial
10. 1. foll by to relation or delimitation, esp to or by membership of a specific class or group; respect or regard

       all people, without reference to sex or age

    2. ( as modifier )

       a reference group

11. point of reference
    a fact forming the basis of an evaluation or assessment; criterion
12. terms of reference
    the specific limits of responsibility that determine the activities of an investigating body, etc

verb

1. to furnish or compile a list of references for (an academic thesis, publication, etc)
2. to make a reference to; refer to

   he referenced Chomsky, 1956

preposition

1. commerce with reference to re

   reference your letter of the 9th inst

Derived Forms

• referential, adjective
• ˈreferencer, noun

Other Words From

• mis·refer·ence noun
• non·refer·ence noun
• pre·refer·ence noun
• sub·refer·ence noun
• un·refer·enced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of reference¹

First recorded in 1580–90; refer + -ence

Idioms and Phrases

see in regard (reference) to .

Example Sentences

Sweeney, who did not reference Baum by name, told the magazine she’s just trying her best to continue making a name for herself.

From Los Angeles Times

“How can anyone pretend that this collection can serve as a reference for anyone?” the collective asks, noting that online dictionaries are both bigger and faster-moving.

From BBC

Steele describes a working environment filled with detailed reference points.

From Los Angeles Times

Musk's calls for a Doge are themselves a reference to a meme featuring a Shiba Inu dog, which then gave its name to the cryptocurrency Dogecoin.

From BBC

Playing off the reference to the Shiba Inu meme associated with the cryptocurrency of the same name, Musk took to his platform shortly after the announcement to boast his key to the kingdom, writing, "The merch will be fire."

From Salon

Related Words

• allusion
• hint
• innuendo
• mention
• note
• quotation