verb. Refer is defined as to direct to for something needed, or to make a reference. 1  An example of refer is for a woman to suggest that her friend visit a specific doctor. 2  An example of refer is to include an in-text citation in a research paper.o serve as a descriptor or have as a denotation: The word chair refers to a piece of furniture. 1  To speak or write about something briefly or incidentally; make reference: referred during our conversation to several books he was reading. 2  To turn one's attention, as in seeking information: refer to a dictionary.