reference

Pluralreferences

Formsreferences, referencing, referenced

1. 1
   nouncountable or uncountable

   A mention of someone or something in speech or writing, frequently a passing or indirect one.

   In her speech, the mayor made only a brief reference to the budget crisis.

   The cartoon is full of sly references to old Hollywood movies that adults will catch.

   UsageYou make a reference to something; make no reference to it means not mention it at all.

   Similarmention, allusion, nod

2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To mention or refer to something in speech or writing, including citing it as a source.

   The professor referenced a famous experiment during the lecture.

   Politicians often reference past leaders to lend weight to their words.

   UsageNo preposition: reference a study, but refer to a study; in careful writing, refer to or mention is safer.

   Note

   Here the verb stretches from citing a source to simply mentioning or alluding, and some usage writers object to this wider use. It is at home in art writing: Jean Borgatti, in African Arts (1990), has portraits that "reference individual and social identities".

3. 3
   standardnouncountable

   A measurement used as a standard against which other measurements can be compared.

   The lab calibrated each instrument against a known reference.

   Surveyors fixed a stable reference before recording any elevations.

   Similarbenchmark, standard, baseline, datum

4. 4
   book of factsnouncountablebefore a noun

   A work consulted for information, such as a dictionary, encyclopedia, or atlas.

   The old atlas is still a trusted reference, though most students now look up places online.

   Many references are now available online rather than in print.

   UsageMost often before another noun: a reference book, reference works, the reference section of a library.

5. 5
   nouncountable

   A note in a text that identifies a work used as a source, or the source work itself.

   Every reference in the chapter follows the same citation format.

   He inserted a reference beside the statistic to show where it originated.

   UsageWriters cite references; the list of sources at the end of a paper is often headed References.

   Similarcitation, footnote

   Note

   In academic writing the word covers both the pointer and what it points to: the author, title and publication details that let a reader find a work, and that work itself. Gathered at the end of a book or article, these make up the reference list or bibliography. Checking a reference can mean verifying the details in the note, or going to read the book it names.

6. 6
   noununcountable

   The act of looking something up in a book, document, or other source to find information, as in "for future reference" or "for ease of reference".

   The manual stays in the glove compartment for quick reference on the road.

   Her constant reference to the dictionary slowed her reading of the French novel.

   UsageMostly in set phrases: for future reference, for easy reference, for quick reference.

   Similarconsultation

7. 7
   nouncountable

   A statement about a person's character or abilities, written or given by someone who knows them well, especially to support an application for a job; the statement, not the person who gives it.

   A strong reference from a respected colleague helped her land the role.

   The landlord checked his references before approving the lease.

   UsageYou give or write someone a reference, and employers check references; a reference comes from someone, for a job.

   Similarrecommendation, testimonial, endorsement

8. 8
   person recommendingnouncountable

   A person who provides information about another's character or qualifications; a referee.

   The committee phoned each reference before making an offer.

   A reliable reference can vouch for both your skills and your honesty.

   UsageYou list someone as a reference on an application; that person may also be called a referee.

   Similarreferee

9. 9
   code numbernouncountable

   A code or number assigned to a booking, order, payment, document, or record so that it can be identified.

   Quote the invoice reference on all correspondence so our accounts team can match your payment.

   The airline's email gave a six-letter reference for the flight reservation.

   UsageOften in compounds: booking reference, payment reference, reference number; you quote it when you call or pay.

   Similarnumber, code

10. 10
    pointer (computing)nouncountable

    In computing, an object that holds information pointing to data stored elsewhere rather than containing the data itself.

    Passing a reference lets two functions share the same underlying data.

    A null reference often signals that an object was never created.

    Similarpointer

    Note

    In programming the word names a kind of indirection. A reference holds the way to reach data rather than the data, so copying it copies the reference, not the contents. Two references can lead to the same object, which is how separate parts of a program share one structure. A null reference leads nowhere. What a reference does to its target is described by the programming verb. Source

    Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 4 facts

    • A reference provides indirect access to data rather than containing the data itself. learn.microsoft.com
    • Copying a reference copies the reference value, not the target's contents. That value need not be a memory address; Java HotSpot can represent references as compressed offsets. docs.oracle.com
    • Multiple references can refer to the same object, allowing it to be shared. docs.oracle.com
    • A null reference refers to no object. learn.microsoft.com

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