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 )

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

Created in response to the failure of a 1998 referendum to legalize abortion in her native Portugal, Rego’s suite offers harrowing views of women who have undergone the procedure illegally.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

However, following a 1972 referendum which moved the country to a unitary state, the office was scrapped.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

"It's about establishing a threshold, it's not a referendum," said the SDLP's Séamas de Faoite.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Meanwhile, Findlay said "never again" to the question of another referendum.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

In 1897, two years after the Massachusetts referendum, the antis formed the New York State Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• election
• poll
• vote