ENGLISH
REFERENCE

referral

n.
US //ɹɪˈfɝəɫ// UK //ɹɪfˈɜːɹəl// re·fer·ral
  1. 1 medical or professional recommendation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    the act of sending a person to a specialist for help or advice.

    the process of directing a patient or client to a specialist or higher authority for professional consultation or treatment.

    Example

    My doctor gave me a referral to see a heart specialist next week.

    Example

    The general practitioner issued an urgent referral to the oncology department after reviewing the patient's latest blood results.

    Usage

    Often used with the verb 'make' or 'get'.
  2. 2 business or job recommendation (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    when someone recommends you for a job or a service.

    the act of recommending a person for a position or a service, often within a professional network.

    Example

    I got the job interview through a referral from a former colleague.

    Example

    The company offers a significant bonus to any employee whose referral leads to a successful long-term hire.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the context of 'referral programs' or 'employee referrals'.
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  1. 3 school discipline report (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Slang

    a formal note about a student's bad behavior sent to a school office.

    a formal written report documenting a student's misconduct, typically resulting in a meeting with an administrator.

    Example

    He was sent to the principal's office with a referral for talking during the test.

    Example

    After three verbal warnings, the teacher finally issued a formal referral for the student's persistent disruption of the lesson.

    Usage

    Primarily used in the United States school system.
Origin

From refer + -al.

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