Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Referential /(-shal)/ · Ref·er·en·tial · IPA /ɹɛfəˈɹɛnʃəl/ 01 a. Containing a reference; pointing to something out of itself; as, notes for referential use. 1. Containing a reference; pointing to something out of itself; as, notes for referential use.