- [countable, uncountable] a thing you say or write that mentions somebody/something else; the act of mentioning somebody/something
- reference to somebody/something She made no reference to her illness but only to her future plans.
- the President’s passing reference to (= brief mention of) the end of the war
- Her book contains many biblical references.
- His testimony included references to memos by the company's financial managers.
- Study their correspondence and you find only three references to George Washington.
- She discreetly avoided any specific reference to religion.
- reference to doing something The book is full of references to growing up in India.
- There are frequent references in the text to the English Civil War.
Extra Examples- He dropped casual references to the legacy of his great work.
- Her diary contains no reference to the alleged appointment.
- In an obvious reference to the president, he talked of corruption in high places.
- The article makes no reference to his first marriage.
- The audience didn't get the references to colonialism.
- The book is filled with references to God.
- The new constitution dropped all reference to previous wars.
- They could find no further reference to Mr LaMotte in the records.
- a reference to page 17
- one of the earliest references to the game of chess
- He's studying political science with special reference to China.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- extensive
- brief
- casual
- …
- contain
- have
- include
- …
- in a/the reference
- in reference to
- with reference to
- …
- [uncountable] the act of looking at something for information
- for reference A copy of the booklet is given to the employee for reference.
- Keep the list of numbers near the phone for easy reference.
- I wrote down the name of the hotel for future reference (= because it might be useful in the future).
- The library contains many popular works of reference (= books that contain facts and information).
- We provided reference materials about our Greek vase collection.
- reference to something Reference to the guide shows that the word has been used in the latter sense.
Extra Examples- You'll find the information in the reference section of your local library.
- The summary should be comprehensible without reference back to the source work.
- an online reference tool
- The book is organized alphabetically for easy reference.
- She needs the book for reference purposes.
- Retain a copy of the form for future reference.
- I made a copy of your work, just for my own reference.
- Gene frequencies were calculated then compared with the Finnish population as a reference group.
- Our charges are calculated by reference to an hourly rate.
- The book is an invaluable source of reference for the art historian.
- The book is by far the best general reference (= reference book) on natural history.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- general
- comprehensive
- essential
- …
- book
- guide
- manual
- …
- [countable] (abbreviation ref.)a number, word or symbol that shows where something is on a map, or where you can find a piece of information
- The map reference is Y4.
- It is essential that an accurate grid reference is given.
- Please quote your reference number when making an enquiry.
Extra Examples- Please quote the appropriate reference in your letter.
- Please send a full CV, quoting the appropriate reference.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- copious
- full
- appropriate
- …
- quote
- cite
- give
- …
- number
- in a/the reference
- reference to
- a list of references
- [uncountable] reference (to somebody/something) (formal) the act of asking somebody for help or advice
- The emergency nurse can treat minor injuries without reference to a doctor.
- The decision was made without reference to local managers.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- easy
- quick
- further
- …
- by reference to
- for reference
- without reference to
- …
- for somebody’s own reference
- for somebody’s personal reference
- for reference purposes
- …
- [countable] a letter written by somebody who knows you, giving information about your character and abilities, especially to a new employer
- I'm sure she'll give you a good reference.
- We will take up references (= contact the people who provided them) after the interview.
- We'll need a reference from your current employer.
- She asked him to provide a reference for her.
Extra ExamplesTopics Businessb2, Working lifeb2- Dr Kemp had written a reference for her when she left.
- He had a number of good character references, including one from a retired policeman.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- glowing
- good
- bad
- …
- ask for
- need
- give (somebody)
- …
- reference from
- a letter of reference
- [countable] a person who agrees to write a reference, for you, for example when you are applying for a job synonym referee
- My previous boss will act as a reference for me.
- His former employer agreed to act as a reference for him.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryverb + reference- act as
- be
- contact
- …
- reference for
- [countable] a note in a book that tells you where a particular piece of information comes from
- There is a list of references at the end of each chapter.
- For references, see Section D above.
- reference to something References to previous research are listed in an appendix.
Extra Examples- References to original sources are given at the end of each chapter.
- The date of publication should be included in the reference.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- copious
- full
- appropriate
- …
- quote
- cite
- give
- …
- number
- in a/the reference
- reference to
- a list of references
see also cross reference, frame of reference, terms of reference
mentioning somebody/something
looking for information
number/word/symbol
asking for advice
for new job
in book
Idioms
See reference in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee reference in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic Englishin/with reference to
- (formal) used to say what you are talking or writing about
- With reference to your letter of July 22…
- I am writing with reference to your job application.
Check pronunciation:
reference