The meaning of REFUGEE is one that flees; especially : a person who flees to a foreign country or power to escape danger or persecution. How to use refugee in a sentence. A. a person who has fled from some danger or problem, esp political persecution b. (as.... Click for English pronunciations, examples sentences, video. Refugee Refugees are persons who are outside their country of origin for reasons of feared persecution, conflict, generalized violence, or other circumstances that have seriously disturbed public order and, as a result, require international protection. The refugee definition can be found in the 1951 Convention and regional refugee instruments, as well as UNHCR’s Statute. Refugees are people forced to flee conflict or persecution who cross an international border. UNHCR protects refugees and works to find long-term solutions.