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

He turned that election into a referendum on wokeness, in its most caricatured form, and an assertion of white, Christian, male-centric pride.

From Salon

"There's been a feeling in the country since the referendum to pass on the blame to people who look different."

From BBC

“I’ve seen this referendum since its birth, and it is just absolutely mind-blowing to me that this became what it did.”

From Salon

Nathan Hochman to launch an investigation into whether opponents of the referendum “committed pervasive fraud and illegal conduct” while working to peel away voter support.

From Los Angeles Times

"In Douglas Alexander's past campaigning against independence in the referendum in 2014 he was very negative about Scotland," he added.

From BBC

Related Words

• election 
• poll 
• vote