referendum

American  

[ref-uh-ren-duhm] / ˌrɛf əˈrɛn dəm /

noun

referendums, plural referenda plural

1. the principle or practice of referring measures proposed or passed by a legislative body, head of state, etc., to the vote of the electorate for approval or rejection.

2. a measure thus referred.

3. a vote on such a measure.

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referendum British  

/ ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm /

noun

1. submission of an issue of public importance to the direct vote of the electorate

2. a vote on such a measure

3. a poll of the members of a club, union, or other group to determine their views on some matter

4. a diplomatic official's note to his government requesting instructions

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referendum ¹ Cultural  

1. A vote by the general public, rather than by governmental bodies, on a bill or some other important issue; a plebiscite. (See under “American Politics.”)

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referendum ² Cultural  

1. A direct popular vote on an issue of public policy, such as a proposed amendment to a state constitution or a proposed law. Referendums, which allow the general population to participate in policymaking, are not used at the national level, but are common at the state and local levels. A referendum is often used to gauge popular approval or rejection of laws recently passed or under consideration by a state legislature. A referendum can also be used to initiate legislative action.

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• referenda
  plural
• referendums
  plural

Etymology

Origin of referendum

1840–50; < Latin: “(thing) to be referred” (neuter gerundive of referre “to bring back”; see refer)

Explanation

A referendum is a direct vote by the people on a specific proposal, law, or political issue. It's often part of a larger election. On many issues, our elected representatives argue, negotiate, and make a law, but sometimes there's a referendum — the issue is put directly to the people for a vote as part of an election. Usually, a referendum is a yes or no question. Smaller groups can have referendums, too — like a school system deciding whether or not to have school uniforms or a longer school year.

Example Sentences

The resistance efforts haven’t let up: A new grassroots organization called Box Elder Accountability Referendum filed for a process to allow voters to overturn the commission’s approval.

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2026

He was elected as Conservative MP for Reigate in the 1997 general election, defeating the incumbent Sir George Gardiner, who had switched from the Tories to the Referendum Party.

From BBC • May 29, 2025

The SNP is required to prepare financial statements in accordance with the Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act 2000.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2023

Ten years after Referendum 74 was approved, data shows Washington is among the top 10 states when it comes to concentration of same-sex couples.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 9, 2022

They learned, however, that the Initiative and Referendum has its harmful as well as its beneficial side.

From The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume V by Harper, Ida Husted

Related Words

• election
• poll
• vote