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

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

material contained in a footnote or bibliography, or referred to by a reference mark. use or recourse for purposes of information: a library for public reference.

A reference is a letter that is written by someone who knows you and which describes your character and abilities. When you apply for a job, an employer might ask for references.

There are 16 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun reference, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.