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”; refer )

Example Sentences

Many of the richest Swiss taxpayers vowed to emigrate if the referendum passed.

From The Wall Street Journal

Scotland has a more diverse economy than just over a decade ago, when an independence referendum narrowly failed.

From The Wall Street Journal

The referendum requires companies to pay the state’s 8.84% corporate tax based on their share of sales in the state.

From The Wall Street Journal

Slovenia holds a new referendum Sunday on whether a law legalising assisted dying will be enforced or suspended after critics mounted a campaign against the legislation.

From Barron's

Yet every time England takes the field, it seems to trigger another referendum on Bazball—a term McCullum happens to hate.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• election
• poll
• vote