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

The election will determine control of the court, but has also become a referendum on Trump’s first weeks in office — as well as one on Musk himself. —Scott Bauer, Chicago Tribune, 29 Mar. 2025

The Supreme Court race has shattered previous spending records for a U.S. judicial election and has become a referendum on Musk and the first months of Trump’s administration. —Scott Bauer, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2025

Republican operatives in the Sunshine State fear a congressional special election race in a deep-red district could be closer than expected, which could inadvertently be seen as a referendum on President Donald Trump’s record ahead of the midterm elections in 2026. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 27 Mar. 2025

Bokhari’s comments at the time echoed state legislative leaders, who must give Charlotte permission to put a sales tax referendum on the ballot to pay for transit. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 26 Mar. 2025

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