Referral
/rɪˈfɜːrəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of directing someone to a different person or source for assistance or information.
/rɪˈfɜːrəl/
The act of referring someone or something
The patient needed a referral to a cardiologist.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a problem, and your friend knows someone who can help. A referral is when your friend tells you to go see that person. Like, "I have a headache; can you give me a referral to the best doctor?"
👶 For kids: When someone tells you to go see another person to help you with something.
More Examples
The company offers a bonus for every customer referral.
I received a referral from my colleague to apply for the job.
How It's Used
"The doctor made a referral to a specialist for further examination."
"We received several new clients through customer referrals."
The person or thing that has been referred.
/rɪˈfɜːrəl/
The person or thing referred
The referral from the marketing team boosted the company's sales.
💡 Simply: It's like the person or thing you get sent to. If a friend gives you a referral to a cool new pizza place, that pizza place is the referral!
👶 For kids: The person or thing you were sent to.
More Examples
The doctor reviewed the referral before scheduling an appointment.
How It's Used
"The matter was a referral from the lower court."
"The new customer was a direct referral from a satisfied client."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
referral marketing
A marketing strategy that encourages customers to recommend products or services to their friends or family.
"The company launched a referral marketing program to increase customer acquisition."
refer a friend
To encourage someone to recommend a product or service to their friends.
"Many online services offer a bonus when you refer a friend."
From Middle English referren, from Old French referer, from Latin referre ('to carry back, report').
Historically, the term referred primarily to legal and medical contexts, but has expanded to general business and social usage.
Memory tip
Think of handing someone a 'referral' slip to another expert.
Word Origin
"to carry back, report"