Referendum: meaning, definitions and examples

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referendum

[ ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm ]

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political

A referendum is a general vote by the electorate on a single political question that has been referred to them for a direct decision.

Synonyms

plebiscite, poll, vote

Examples of usage

The government held a referendum on the issue of EU membership.
The referendum showed a clear majority in favor of the new law.

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history

A referendum is a process of voting, especially in order to make a decision about something.

Synonyms

ballot, election, survey

Examples of usage

The union's leaders agreed to hold a referendum on the issue.
The country's independence was achieved through a referendum.

Translations

Translations of the word "referendum" in other languages:

🇵🇹 referendo

🇮🇳 जनमत संग्रह

🇩🇪 Referendum

🇮🇩 referendum

🇺🇦 референдум

🇵🇱 referendum

🇯🇵 国民投票

🇫🇷 référendum

🇪🇸 referéndum

🇹🇷 referandum

🇰🇷 국민투표

🇸🇦 استفتاء

🇨🇿 referendum

🇸🇰 referendum

🇨🇳 公投

🇸🇮 referendum

🇮🇸 þjóðaratkvæðagreiðsla

🇰🇿 референдум

🇬🇪 რეფერენდუმი

🇦🇿 referendum

🇲🇽 referéndum

Word origin

The term 'referendum' originated from the Latin word 'referre', meaning 'to refer'. The concept of modern referendums can be traced back to the French Revolution. The first national referendum was held in Switzerland in 1848. Since then, referendums have become a common method of decision-making in many countries around the world.

See also: refer, referee, reference, referencer, referent, referrer.