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 That was enough because 2020 was, in important ways, a referendum on Trump’s term. Ronald J. Hansen, The Arizona Republic, 20 Mar. 2024 And there are two statewide referendum questions on the April 2 ballot, which stem from debates about private grants that helped clerks run elections during the pandemic. Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 As the world marks International Women’s Day, Ireland is voting on a pair of referendum questions about how its constitution should refer to the role of women, who is responsible for providing care, and how to define a family. Karla Adam, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Still, there is little question that Mr. Biden and his team aim to make the coming months not a referendum on his presidency, but a focus on the perils of what the country would be like if Mr. Trump returned to power. Nicholas Nehamas, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Vladimir Putin is facing a critical referendum on his war in Ukraine. Ned Temko, The Christian Science Monitor, 7 Mar. 2024 In a race that reflected a referendum on housing, state Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) faced his toughest election since assuming office in 2016. Grace Hase, The Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2024 Which brings us to the third goal: making the 2024 election a choice between two flawed candidates, not a referendum on Biden’s first three years. Doyle McManus, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2024 Under the legislation, localities would not have the authority to ban the machines or hold a referendum on whether to allow them, a local control option opponents had sought. Sarah Rankin, Quartz, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'referendum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 28 Mar. 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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