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

Key parties signed the document at a ceremony in October, but some said it must be ratified by a referendum.

Read more on Barron's

State referenda can be difficult to poll, but surveys say Maine on Tuesday might have a couple of squeakers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

David Cameron was rapped on the knuckles when he claimed the late queen "purred" down the phone line when he told her the result of the Scottish referendum.

Read more on BBC

Attorneys are already poised to file complaints if the referendum passes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Australians in 2023 overwhelmingly voted "no" in a national referendum that sought to better recognise Indigenous peoples in the country's constitution.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• election 
• poll 
• vote