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.

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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

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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.”)

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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.

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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

Perhaps this was a conclusion the court could have arrived at before allowing an expensive statewide referendum to proceed.

From Slate • May 9, 2026

He voted to leave the EU in the 2015 referendum and backed the Conservatives in 2019.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026

The size of the buyback program is viewed as a referendum on how appealing the stock is to Abel, 63, and chairman Warren Buffett, who together control the program.

From Barron's • May 3, 2026

He's promised to give local people the chance to vote in a referendum to leave London altogether and, likely, to re-join Essex where they'll feel more comfortable.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

Of about 612,000 women who were eligible to vote in the referendum, only about 7 percent registered and only about 4 percent voted.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• election
• poll
• vote