referent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"But that would be sad to me, to have lost the referent."

From Salon

It’s a potent reminder of the psychic resonance the show holds for someone who grew up with these referents.

From New York Times

“We can use terms successfully not because we know much about the referent but because we’re linked to the referent by a great social chain of communication.”

From New York Times

“KIMI” self-consciously draws from an assortment of cinematic referents, including obvious touchstones like “Rear Window” and woman-in-peril-at-home thrillers like “Midnight Lace.”

From New York Times

We’ve added words to the dictionary; we’ve transformed memes into instantly recognizable referents; we can also spawn new norms with startling turnover.

From Washington Post