What does referendum mean?
A referendum is an official public vote in which people approve, reject, or express an opinion about a particular question. It is most often associated with constitutional amendments, changes in the legal status of a territory, major policy proposals, and other matters affecting the whole electorate. Unlike a general election, a referendum does not ordinarily choose representatives or a government; instead, it gives voters a clearly defined decision to make. The word also refers to the question or proposal submitted for this vote. Referenda are especially prominent in democratic and legal systems where important decisions are formally returned to the public. Although the word can sound formal or political, it is used in everyday reporting whenever a consequential public vote is discussed. Its unusual plural, “referenda,” reflects the word's Latin origins and remains especially familiar in discussion of referendums and plebiscites across Europe and elsewhere.
nounA referendum is a direct vote in which the electorate approves, rejects, or expresses an opinion on a specific question, especially a constitutional or public-policy question.
- A vote by the electorate on a specific question, especially one concerning constitutional rights, public policy, or the status of a territory.
- The question or proposal submitted to voters for approval or rejection.
"The government announced that it would hold a referendum on the proposed constitutional change."
"Voters approved the reform in a national referendum held last Sunday."
"The proposed treaty was put to referendum and narrowly rejected."
“Referenda” is the conventional plural and is especially common in formal and political usage. “Referendums” is also accepted, particularly in American English.
"Several national referenda have considered questions of independence and constitutional reform."
The name is a clue: a referendum is literally “that which is referred”—a question sent back to the people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does referendum come from?
The word comes from the Latin neuter referendum, meaning “that which is referred,” a form associated with referre, “to refer” or “to bring back.” The expression was used for a question put to the people, and English began using it in political contexts by the early 18th century. Modern usage commonly treats it as the vote itself as well as the question submitted to voters.
Related word forms
How referendum is actually used
The term is especially common in formal political and legal contexts. It generally denotes an official vote on a defined question rather than an opinion poll or a routine election. Its conventional plural is “referenda,” although “referendums” is also widely accepted.
Easily confused with referendum
A referendum puts a specific question to voters, whereas a plebiscite is more generally a direct vote used to elect or endorse a candidate, government, or political system.