referendum
noun
or referendums
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
Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 23 May 2025
That could change—Trump could morph into a more normal president, the radical cuts and dramatic rise in tariffs could recede or retreat, but unless that happens, or some other statewide issue rises up, this will be a referendum on Trump more than anything.
—Andrew Stanton, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
That followed a slim-margin 2016 referendum vote calling for the U.K.'s departure.
—Danielle Wallace, FOXNews.com, 19 May 2025
The close but clear vote in the referendum was a startling surprise.
—Arthur I. Cyr, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for referendum
Cite this Entry
“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referendum. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
referendum
noun
or referendums
Legal Definition
referendum
noun
or referendums
New Latin, from Latin, neuter of referendus, gerundive of referre to refer
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