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

Asked when the vote could be held, he said it was "perfectly conceivable to have a second referendum by 2028".

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

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

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

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Low points came during the defeat in the 2014 Scottish independence referendum, as well as her personal and political rupture with her former mentor Alex Salmond, who died in October 2024.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

He stated that if the referendum was defeated, he would resign from office.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• election
• poll
• vote