noun
referendum
ref-uh-REN-dum/ˌrefəˈrendəm/
A direct public vote on a specific question or proposal.
The town holds a referendum on plans for a new library.
Etymology
The pieces express something that must be brought back or referred for decision. In politics, the question is submitted to the voters as a whole, giving the public vote its name.
In context
where does she go with an independence referendum? She has said that if a Brexit vote is secured then that would likely mean a second referendum.
More examples
- Voters reject the tax increase in a referendum.
- The referendum asks whether the region should become independent.
- Some states hold referendums on proposed constitutional changes.
Forms
referendum · referendums · referenda
Similar words
- plebiscite
- Often concerns national sovereignty or major political changes.
- vote
- Broader term covering individual choices and collective decisions.