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.

---

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

---

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.”)

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of referendum

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

Explanation

A referendum is a direct vote by the people on a specific proposal, law, or political issue. It's often part of a larger election. On many issues, our elected representatives argue, negotiate, and make a law, but sometimes there's a referendum — the issue is put directly to the people for a vote as part of an election. Usually, a referendum is a yes or no question. Smaller groups can have referendums, too — like a school system deciding whether or not to have school uniforms or a longer school year.

Example Sentences

Alliance for Tourism, Jobs and Progress needed about 93,000 signatures to qualify the referendum for the ballot, but fell short by about 9,000, according to the city clerk.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The event was not explicitly about the Senate race—it was for state-level positions—but it was also its own mini referendum on the future of the party in the state.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

Following Rodríguez's remarks, Foro Penal vice-president Gonzalo Himiob said only another legislative act or referendum could undo the amnesty law, which had no expiration date.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

The new Virginia map is being challenged in state court, but judges may be loath to overturn a referendum.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

He stated that if the referendum was defeated, he would resign from office.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• election
• poll
• vote