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

Hunters and conservationists viewed it as a referendum on the future of wildlife management in Colorado (and potentially elsewhere), as Prop 127 would have set the stage for future hunting bans and taken even more decision-making power away from the wildlife managers at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. —Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024

Plus, there's a statewide referendum question, and many communities have school funding referendums. —Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024

While his challenger sought to appeal to moderates and expand the Democratic coalition, Cruz focused on energizing his base, framing the election as a referendum on the Biden administration and Democratic control of Washington. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

For Thao in particular, the election was likely to serve as a referendum on her ability to foster and keep relationships in one of California’s most diverse cities, where the office of mayor has often been intertwined with the state’s Democratic power players. —Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 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