plebiscite

American  

[pleb-uh-sahyt, -sit] / ˈplɛb əˌsaɪt, -sɪt /

noun

1. a direct vote of the qualified voters of a state in regard to some important public question.

2. the vote by which the people of a political unit determine autonomy or affiliation with another country.

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plebiscite British  

/ pləˈbɪsɪtərɪ, ˈplɛbɪˌsaɪt, -sɪt /

noun

1. a direct vote by the electorate of a state, region, etc, on some question of usually national importance, such as union with another state or acceptance of a government programme

2. any expression or determination of public opinion on some matter

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plebiscite Cultural  

1. A vote of an entire nation or other large political unit on an issue of great importance. A plebiscite is not an election, for there are no candidates. Rather, people vote yes or no on a proposition.

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Other Word Forms

• plebiscitary
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of plebiscite

1525–35; < French < Latin plēbīscītum decree of the plebs, equivalent to plēbī (for plēbis, plēbēī genitive singular of plēbs, plēbēs plebs ) + scītum resolution, decree, noun use of neuter of scītus, past participle of scīscere to enact, decree, originally, to seek to know, learn, inchoative of scīre to know

Explanation

A plebiscite is a direct vote by eligible voters to decide an important public question, such as a change to the constitution, secession, or a similar issue of national or regional importance. The word plebiscite comes from the Latin word plebiscitum, meaning "a decree of the people," with the roots plebs, "the common people," and scitum, "decree." A plebiscite can also be called a referendum. Periodically, for example, Quebec separatists hold a plebiscite to determine whether Quebec should secede from Canada. So far, the secessionists have not prevailed at the polls.

Example Sentences

Still, investors remain nervous about the fallout from Thursday’s plebiscite.

From MarketWatch • May 6, 2026

In the daily plebiscite on America, this Ivy League historian votes “Yes, but.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

When India became independent in 1947, Naga leaders refused to join the new republic, declaring, "We are not Indians", and held their own unrecognised plebiscite for independence in 1951.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2025

History is not a plebiscite in which 50% of the current population decides what’s true and important.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 22, 2024

But the �meute ended in a failure, and the emperor was able to answer the personal threats against him by the overwhelming victory of the plebiscite of the 8th of May 1870.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 7 "Fox, George" to "France" by Various

Related Words

• election
• poll
• polling
• referendum
• slate
• tally
• ticket