The meaning of REFERENCE is the act of referring or consulting. How to use reference in a sentence.

REFERENCE meaning: 1. a mention of something: 2. a writer or a book, article, etc. that is mentioned in a piece of…. Learn more.

In a piece of writing, a reference is a direction or citation leading a reader to another book or passage for more information, as in The author listed several references at the bottom of the …

Reference to someone or something is the act of talking about them or mentioning them. A reference is a particular example of this. He made no reference to any agreement.

Usage Note: Though originally a noun, reference is often used as a transitive verb meaning "to supply (a book, article, or other work) with references." People also use the verb to mean "To …

a direction of the attention, as in a book, to some other book, passage, etc.: [uncountable] You make reference to several authors in your paper. [countable] the use of references in a term …

A reference is someone you can rely on to put in a good word for you when applying for a job. Or, a reference might be an outside source you use in a research paper.

Definition of reference noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Dec 12, 2024 · "Reference" is a versatile word that can mean a source of information, a mention or allusion, or a person who provides testimony about someone’s qualifications.

Dec 10, 2025 · To provide a list of references for (a text). You must thoroughly reference your paper before submitting it. Reference the dictionary for word meanings.