plebiscite

noun

pleb·​i·​scite ˈple-bə-ˌsīt How to pronounce plebiscite (audio)
-sət,
 also  -ˌsēt
: a vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal especially on a choice of government or ruler
plebiscitary
ple-ˈbi-sə-ˌter-ē How to pronounce plebiscite (audio)
pli-;
ˌple-bə-ˈsī-tə-rē
adjective

Examples of plebiscite in a Sentence

They are going to hold a plebiscite on the question of national independence. The issue will be decided by plebiscite.
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.
Uruguayans are not obliged to vote in the plebiscites, but voting in the congressional and presidential races is compulsory. Nayara Batschke and Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2024 This means that no such plebiscite can be lawful unless the British government in London agrees to it. Fintan O’Toole, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2023 Building on her father’s signature initiative, the Varela Project, Payá has continued promoting the idea of conducting a vote called a plebiscite in Cuba that would potentially pave the way for democratic changes. Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 Swiss voters backed a plan to raise pensions, the first time in the country’s history that social benefits got an increase via plebiscite. Bastian Benrath, Fortune Europe, 3 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for plebiscite 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French plébiscite "law or regulation put to the vote of the entire electoral body, the process of taking such a vote," borrowed from Latin plēbisscītum, plēbīscītum "resolution of a plebeian assembly, unconditionally valid as law in Rome after a secession of the plebs in 287 b.c.," from plēbis, plēbī, genitive of plēbs plebs + scītum "resolution of a popular assembly, decree," noun derivative from neuter of scītus, past participle of scīscere "to get to know, vote for, approve (a resolution)," inchoative of sciō, scīre "to know" — more at science

First Known Use

1860, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of plebiscite was in 1860

Dictionary Entries Near plebiscite

Cite this Entry

“Plebiscite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plebiscite. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

plebiscite

noun
pleb·​i·​scite ˈpleb-ə-ˌsīt How to pronounce plebiscite (audio)
-sət
: a vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal especially on a choice of government or ruler

More from Merriam-Webster on plebiscite

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