noun

referendum

reh-fuh-REHN-duhm

noun

A public vote in which citizens directly decide on a specific law or issue.

"The country held a referendum on joining the trade union."

"Voters rejected the proposal in a nationwide referendum."

How to Use Referendum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA direct vote by the public on one specific question, rather than through elected representatives.

Common pairings

hold a referendum referendum result call for a referendum

referenda plural, referendums plural

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The country held a _____ on joining the trade union.

From Latin referendum, literally "that which must be brought back [to the people]," from refero ("to announce").

addendum