referendum

[ ref-uh-ren-duhm ]

noun

, plural ref·er·en·dums, ref·er·en·da [ref-, uh, -, ren, -d, uh].

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. Compare initiative ( def 4a ).
2. a measure thus referred.
3. a vote on such a measure.

referendum

/ 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

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.

referendum

²

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.” )

Word History and Origins

Origin of referendum¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of referendum¹

C19: from Latin: something to be carried back, from referre to refer

Example Sentences

The current membership is roughly half what it was after a surge following 2014's independence referendum.

From BBC

Councils who want to increase bills above this level must get permission from the government or hold a referendum.

From BBC

In the most basic sense, the 2024 election can be understood as a referendum on the direction of America and the future of pluralistic multiracial democracy.

From Salon

I'm not sure if the election and Trump’s victory were more of a referendum on the character of the American people or on the public's faith in government.

From Salon

Brexit victor Boris Johnson was widely expected to make good on his referendum statement that voting Leave in the Brexit referendum was “the only way to take back control of immigration”.

From BBC

Related Words

• election
• poll
• vote