weak reference

noun

A reference that does not protect the referenced object from collection by a garbage collector.

Opposite
strong reference
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Meanings

nounweak reference (plural weak references)

plural weak references

  1. computingA reference that does not protect the referenced object from collection by a garbage collector.

    Antonyms: strong reference

Synonyms & antonyms

nounA reference that does not protect the referenced object from collection by a garbage collector.

Opposite
strong reference
Cite this entry
APA

weak reference. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/weak%20reference

MLA

“weak reference.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/weak%20reference. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “weak reference,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/weak%20reference.

Source: weak reference on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.