referendum

American  

[ref-uh-ren-duhm] / ˌrɛf əˈrɛn dəm /

noun

plural

referendums, referenda

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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Etymology

Origin of referendum

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

Example Sentences

A referendum ballot on Sunday also gives voters a chance to voice whether they want constitutional reform in principle, but with no specific measures on the table.

From Barron's

His criticism has gradually intensified in recent years, with calls for a referendum on a constitutional assembly.

From The Wall Street Journal

It also supports amending the military-drafted constitution, a question which will be put in a referendum at the same time as the election.

From BBC

During the referendum debate, he wrote a pamphlet taking the Unionist view.

From BBC

Buying global equities is also a natural part of diversification—not necessarily a negative referendum on the U.S.—notes Oppenheimer’s head of technical analysis, Ari Wald, who is bullish on U.S. multinationals.

From Barron's

Related Words

• election
• poll
• vote