referendum

[ref-uh-ren-duhm]

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.

referendum

/ 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

referendum

¹

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.”)

referendum

²

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of referendum¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of referendum¹

C19: from Latin: something to be carried back, from referre to _refer

Example Sentences

That was what persuaded then Prime Minister David Cameron to agree to the 2014 referendum - and the first minister thinks a similar outcome would force the current PM to budge.

Read more on BBC

A referendum on secession could be held as soon as next year.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

An August referendum on restarting the reactor, held just three months after it closed, failed to attract a quorum, though the yes votes outweighed the noes.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Bangladesh's main political parties have agreed to hold a referendum on a landmark reform charter after months of consultation, but are divided on when that will be held.

Read more on Barron's

The Liberal Democrats saw a significant boost in membership in the run-up to Brexit in 2020, when the party was campaigning for a second referendum.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• election 
• poll 
• vote