referendum

noun

ref·​er·​en·​dum ˌre-fə-ˈren-dəm How to pronounce referendum (audio)
plural referenda ˌre-fə-ˈren-də How to pronounce referendum (audio) or referendums
1
a
: the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative
b
: a vote on a measure so submitted
2
: a diplomatic agent's note asking for government instructions

Did you know?

Referendum is a Latin word, but its modern meaning only dates from the 19th century, when a new constitution adopted by Switzerland stated that the voters could vote directly on certain issues. Thus, a referendum is a measure that's referred (that is, sent on) to the people. Since the U.S. Constitution doesn't provide for referenda (notice the common plural form) at the national level, referenda tend to be on local and state issues. In most locales, a few questions usually appear on the ballot at election time, often involving such issues as new zoning ordinances, new taxes for schools, and new limits on spending.

Examples of referendum in a Sentence

The issue was decided by referendum.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mecklenburg voters also won’t have their say on a transportation tax referendum until November. Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025 The referendum about who deserved the MVP last year — Allen won it, Jackson had superior numbers — will not be decided here, but Jackson certainly can state his case. Jack Magruder, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 Newsom's plan, however, would have to be passed in a special referendum this November by California voters. Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025 While city officials showed early interest, O’Connell’s office asked to pause discussions until after the November 2024 transit referendum. Stuart Dyos, Nashville Tennessean, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for referendum

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter of referendus, gerundive of referre to refer

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of referendum was in 1847

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referendum. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

referendum

noun
ref·​er·​en·​dum ˌref-ə-ˈren-dəm How to pronounce referendum (audio)
plural referenda -də How to pronounce referendum (audio) or referendums
: the idea or practice of letting voters approve or disapprove laws or suggested laws
also : such a vote

Legal Definition

referendum

noun
ref·​er·​en·​dum ˌrə-fə-ˈren-dəm How to pronounce referendum (audio)
plural referenda -də How to pronounce referendum (audio) or referendums
: the submission to popular vote of a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative
also : the popular vote on a measure so submitted
Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, neuter of referendus, gerundive of referre to refer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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