noun
Common
referendum
reh-fuh-REHN-duhm
Referendum (noun) means a public vote in which citizens directly decide on a specific law or issue. Example: “Residents were asked to vote in a local referendum about the new park.”
noun
1
A public vote in which citizens directly decide on a specific law or issue.
"Residents were asked to vote in a local referendum about the new park."
"The country held a referendum on joining the trade union."
"Voters rejected the proposal in a nationwide referendum."
How to use referendum
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- referenda, referendums
Fill the gap
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Residents were asked to vote in a local _____ about the new park.
Etymology
From Latin referendum, literally "that which must be brought back [to the people]," from refero ("to announce").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for referendum
See all rhymes for referendum →Frequently asked questions
What does “referendum” mean?
The word “referendum” means a public vote in which citizens directly decide on a specific law or issue. In plain terms, a direct vote by the public on one specific question, rather than through elected representatives.
How do you pronounce “referendum”?
“Referendum” is pronounced reh-fuh-REHN-duhm (/ˌɹɛfəˈɹɛndəm/ in IPA).
How do you use “referendum” in a sentence?
Here is “referendum” used in a sentence: “The country held a referendum on joining the trade union.”
What part of speech is “referendum”?
“Referendum” is a noun.
Where does the word “referendum” come from?
The word “referendum” comes from Latin. From Latin referendum, literally "that which must be brought back [to the people]," from refero ("to announce").
Is “referendum” a common word?
“Referendum” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the plural of referendum: referendums or referenda?
Both plurals are accepted. Referendums is now the more common choice in general and journalistic writing, while referenda, the Latin plural, persists in formal and academic contexts. Many style guides recommend referendums.
What is the difference between a referendum and an election?
In an election, voters choose people to represent them, such as lawmakers or a president. In a referendum, citizens vote directly on a specific law or issue, bypassing representatives. Elections fill offices; referendums settle questions.
What is the difference between a referendum and a plebiscite?
Both words describe a public vote on a specific issue, and in many countries they are used interchangeably. Where a distinction is drawn, plebiscite often refers to a non-binding or advisory vote, while referendum tends to describe a vote with direct legal effect. Exact usage varies from country to country.
Do you say hold a referendum or make a referendum?
The standard collocation is to hold a referendum; governments can also call a referendum, meaning to announce that one will take place. "Make a referendum" is not idiomatic English.
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