referendum
referendum Lexical Profile
referendum Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision.
"The government held a national referendum to decide whether to amend the constitution."
The legal or constitutional process of referring a state legislative act, constitutional amendment, or important public issue directly to the people for final approval or rejection.
"Under the state's system of direct democracy, citizens can challenge newly passed laws through a referendum."
Word Nuance & Usage
Both "referendums" and "referenda" are accepted plural forms, though style guides often prefer "referendums" because the Latin gerundive "referendum" has no true plural in classical usage.
• Rhymes for referendum
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-19th century (originally in the context of Swiss politics) from the Latin gerundive referendum, meaning "that which must be referred back," from the verb referre ("to carry back" or "to report").