Final answer:
A real world entity to which a word refers is called a referent.
Step-by-step explanation:
A real world entity to which a word refers is called a referent.
For example, if the word 'cat' is used in a sentence, the referent would be an actual cat in the real world. The referent is the object or concept that the word represents.
Understanding referents is important for comprehension and effective communication in language.