reference

noun, verb

mentioning sb / sth 1 [C,U] ~ (to sb/sth) a thing you say or write that mentions sb/sth else; the act of mentioning sb/sth: The book is full of references to growing up in India. * 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 looking for information 2 [U] the act of looking at sth for information: 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 (= reference books). asking for advice 3 [U] (formal) ~ (to sb/sth) the act of asking sb for help or advice: The emergency nurse can treat minor injuries without reference to a doctor. number / word / symbol 4 [C] (abbreviation ref.) a number, word or symbol that shows where sth is on a map, or where you can find a piece of information: The map reference is Y4. * Please quote your reference number when making an enquiry. for new job 5 [C] a letter written by sb who knows you, giving information about your character and abilities, especially to a new employer: We will take up references after the interview. 6 [C] a person who agrees to write a reference, for you, for example when you are applying for a job SYNREFEREE: My previous boss will act as a reference for me. in book 7 [C] 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. seealsoCROSS-REFERENCE, FRAMEOFREFERENCE, TERMSOFREFERENCE IDIOMS in / with reference to (formal or written) used to say what you are talking or writing about: With reference to your letter of July 22... verb [VN] (written) to refer to sth; to provide a book, etc. with references: Each chapter is referenced, citing literature up to 1999.