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
Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024
Plus, there's a statewide referendum question, and many communities have school funding referendums.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024
While his challenger sought to appeal to moderates and expand the Democratic coalition, Cruz focused on energizing his base, framing the election as a referendum on the Biden administration and Democratic control of Washington.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
For Thao in particular, the election was likely to serve as a referendum on her ability to foster and keep relationships in one of California’s most diverse cities, where the office of mayor has often been intertwined with the state’s Democratic power players.
—Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for referendum 
Dictionary Entries Near referendum
Cite this Entry
“Referendum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referendum. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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
Share