A referent (/ ˈrɛfərənt / REF-ər-ənt) is an entity to which a name – a linguistic expression or other symbol – refers. For example, in the sentence Mary saw me, the referent of the word Mary is the particular …

The meaning of REFERENT is one that refers or is referred to; especially : the thing that a symbol (such as a word or sign) stands for.

Apr 30, 2025 · A referent is the person, thing, or idea that a word or expression stands for. It can be an object, an abstraction, or a location in the document.

REFERENT definition: 1. the person, thing, or idea that a word, phrase, or object refers to: 2. the person, thing, or…. Learn more.

Definition of 'referent' referent in British English (ˈrɛfərənt ) noun the object or idea to which a word or phrase refers

There are six meanings listed in OED's entry for the word referent, three of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Referent definition: A person or thing to which a linguistic expression refers.