referendum

noun

ref·​er·​en·​dum ˌre-fə-ˈren-dəm How to pronounce referendum (audio)
plural referenda ˌre-fə-ˈren-də How to pronounce referendum (audio) 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
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.
The annexation occurred after referendums held days before which were organized by Russian occupation authorities but were denounced by the international community. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024 Barnett and other supporters say the referendum is a first step and not the final word. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 14 Dec. 2024 In 2018, Bell ran for and won the position of St. Louis prosecuting attorney, defeating an incumbent who had served in the role for nearly three decades, in a race that voters viewed as a referendum on Brown’s death and the Ferguson protests. The Hill, 11 Dec. 2024 Earlier this year, opposition parties overwhelmingly won elections seen as a referendum on Yoon’s rule, and took control of the National Assembly. Helen Regan, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for referendum 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of referendum was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near referendum

Cite this Entry

“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referendum. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

referendum

noun
ref·​er·​en·​dum ˌref-ə-ˈren-dəm How to pronounce referendum (audio)
plural referenda -də How to pronounce referendum (audio) 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 How to pronounce referendum (audio)
plural referenda -də How to pronounce referendum (audio) 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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