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 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

Smyth was encouraged to leave the UK and he moved to Zimbabwe without any referral being made to police.

From BBC

Police said a mandatory referral had been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to recent prior police contact.

From BBC

The cash will also fund the Op Fortitude helpline, a referral service to help former service people find housing support.

From BBC

He was encouraged to leave the country and moved to Zimbabwe without any referral being made to police.

From BBC

Related Words

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