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

Aron Solomon is a legal analyst Jonathan S. Tobin—Yes The concept of governing by plebiscites can be disruptive and a waste of time and money. —David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025

And though nearly 31 percent voted for full independence, an option to maintain the current status with citizenship — a popular choice with supporters of one of the island’s traditional political parties — was not included in the plebiscite. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025

Streeter wonders what decisions might have preempted the military coup: for example, Allende might have tried to negotiate a coalition government with the center-right Christian Democrats or agreed to a plebiscite on his rule. —Foreign Affairs, 14 Jan. 2025

Finally, the urgent desire for a president chosen by pure national plebiscite reflects the inflated view that modern politics gives to the presidency. —The Editors, National Review, 20 Dec. 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