referendum

noun

ref·​er·​en·​dum ˌre-fə-ˈren-dəm 

plural referenda ˌre-fə-ˈren-də  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

More:Should voters support April 2 referendum for MPS? —Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024

The data, however, shows that Wisconsin voters typically pass referendums put on the ballot. —Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 2 Apr. 2024

But Wednesday’s vote has turned into a contentious referendum on the celebrated CEO, who has struggled to tame the enormous problems that prompted his return in late 2022. —Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2024

The oil industry, through the California Independent Petroleum Association, pushed back against the law, successfully waging a petition campaign to subject the law to a voter referendum this November. —Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 25 Mar. 2024

The Kremlin is treating voter turnout in the presidential election as a referendum on the Ukraine war, with a high turnout to vote for Putin potentially indicating continued support for the president despite ongoing Western sanctions and growing diplomatic isolation. —Leila Sackur, NBC News, 16 Mar. 2024

In 1995, Ireland voted to end its ban on divorce, with a later referendum in 2019 further liberalizing divorce laws. —Megan Specia, New York Times, 9 Mar. 2024

Ireland has held referendums on a number of social issues in recent years, with voters repeatedly supporting progressive changes to the country’s constitution. —Lauren Kent, CNN, 9 Mar. 2024

That was enough because 2020 was, in important ways, a referendum on Trump’s term. —Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 20 Mar. 2024

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

Kids Definition

referendum

noun

ref·​er·​en·​dum ˌref-ə-ˈren-dəm 

plural referenda -də  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 

plural referenda -də  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