Dictionary
1reference
noun ref·er·ence \ˈre-fərn(t)s, ˈre-f(ə-)rən(t)s\
: the act of mentioning something in speech or in writing : the act of referring to something or someone
: the act of looking at or in something for information
: a person who can be asked for information about another person's character, abilities, etc.
Full Definition of REFERENCE
1
: the act of referring or consulting
2
: a bearing on a matter : relation <in reference to your recent letter>
3
4
: one referred to or consulted: as a : a person to whom inquiries as to character or ability can be made b : a statement of the qualifications of a person seeking employment or appointment given by someone familiar with the person c (1) : a source of information (as a book or passage) to which a reader or consulter is referred (2) : a work (as a dictionary or encyclopedia) containing useful facts or information d : denotation, meaning
See reference defined for English-language learners
See reference defined for kids
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First Known Use of REFERENCE
1589
2reference
adjective
: used to find information about something
: used to tell people where information can be found
Full Definition of REFERENCE
: used or usable for reference; especially : constituting a standard for measuring or constructing
See reference defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of REFERENCE
1856
3reference
verb
: to mention (something or someone) in speech or in writing : to refer to (something or someone)
referencedreferenc·ing
Full Definition of REFERENCE
transitive verb
1
a : to supply with references b : to cite in or as a reference
2
: to put in a form (as a table) adapted to easy reference
See reference defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of REFERENCE
1891
REFERENCE Defined for Kids
reference
noun ref·er·ence \ˈre-fə-rəns, ˈref-rəns\
Definition of REFERENCE for Kids
1
: the act of looking at or in something for information <Reference to a map will make our location clear.>
2
: a relation to or concern with something <I am writing in reference to your advertisement.>
3
: the act or an instance of mentioning <They made no references to my error.>
4
: a work (as a dictionary) that contains useful information
5
: something that refers a reader to another source of information
6
: a person who can be asked for information about another person's character or ability
7
: a written statement about someone's character or ability
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