plebiscite

noun

pleb·​i·​scite ˈple-bə-ˌsīt 

-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 

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

Puerto Rico’s recent plebiscite should serve as a loud message for Congress. —George H. Laws Garcia, Sun Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2024

The contentious plebiscite on whether to boost pension payouts failed to pass in October, with Uruguayans rejecting generous pensions in favor of fiscal constraint. —Nayara Batschke, Los Angeles Times, 24 Nov. 2024

In a recent plebiscite, 43% of voters supported sovereignty, with 31% advocating for independence and 12.3% favoring free association. —Javier A Hernandez, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Nov. 2024

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

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

Kids Definition

plebiscite

noun

pleb·​i·​scite ˈpleb-ə-ˌsīt 

-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