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

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

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

In her push for a "yes" vote in this weekend's constitutional referendum, Italy's prime minister has been reaching for new audiences.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

She also argued her opponents were only turning all this into a referendum on her rule because they couldn't fault the reform itself.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

To boost turnout and support for the referendum, authorities have involved famous athletes and mobilised workers in mining and oil industries -- two important sectors in the Kazakh economy.

From Barron's • Mar. 15, 2026

In order to find out where women actually stood on the issue, in November 1895, Massachusetts conducted a nonbinding referendum.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• election
• poll
• vote