Look up your source by its title, URL, ISBN, or DOI, and let Scribbr find and fill in all the relevant information automatically. Generate flawless citations according to the official APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard style, or many other rules. When your reference list is complete, export it to Word.
Our APA generator was built with a focus on simplicity and speed. To generate a formatted reference list or bibliography just follow these steps: Start by searching for the source you want to cite in the search box at the top of the page. MyBib will automatically locate all the required information. If any is missing you can add it yourself.
A reference is someone you can rely on to put in a good word for you when applying for a job. Or, a reference might be an outside source you use in a research paper.
A reference section contains only those works indeed cited in the main text of a work. In contrast, a bibliographical section often contains works not cited by the author, but used as background reading or listed as potentially useful to the reader.
Usage Note: Though originally a noun, reference is often used as a transitive verb meaning "to supply (a book, article, or other work) with references." People also use the verb to mean "To cite as a reference" or simply "To mention or allude to."
Check each reference carefully against the original publication to ensure information is accurate and complete. Accurately prepared references help establish your credibility as a careful researcher and writer.
a direction of the attention, as in a book, to some other book, passage, etc.: [uncountable] You make reference to several authors in your paper. [countable] the use of references in a term paper.
"Reference" is a versatile word that can mean a source of information, a mention or allusion, or a person who provides testimony about someone’s qualifications.