A referral is when someone recommends or sends you to another person who can help you better. When your family doctor thinks you need to see a specialist about a broken bone, she gives you a referral to an orthopedist. When a teacher notices a student struggling with reading, she might make a referral to the school's reading specialist.

A referral recognizes that while one person might be helpful, another person has exactly the right expertise, resources, or connections for the situation.

Referrals happen in many contexts. A friend might give you a referral to a great piano teacher. A librarian might offer a referral to another library that has the rare book you need. In business, companies often reward customers who provide referrals by recommending their services to friends.

Getting a referral usually means someone trusts you and the person they're connecting you with. It's a way of saying, “I know someone who can help you even better than I can.” When you receive a referral, someone is using their knowledge and connections to point you in the right direction.