referendum

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Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˌɹɛfəˈɹɛndəm/

Noun

referendum (plural referenda)

1. (politics) A direct popular vote on a proposed law or constitutional amendment. The adposition on is usually used before the related subject of the vote.
   • 1975, Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, Informational Bulletin

     In some cases, a referendum on the proposed bond issue must be held.

   • 2019, Nalini Mohabir, Renaming the Cook Islands would be a vital step towards true independence ↗ in the Guardian.

     Although the Cook Islands held a referendum in 1994, when voters rejected a name change, the yearning for a decolonised identity has not disappeared.

2. An action, choice, etc., which is perceived as passing judgment on another matter.

   My father is taking my decision on whether to go to university as a referendum on his performance as a parent, and it's very stressful.

Translations

• French: référendum
• German: Referendum, Volksabstimmung
• Italian: referendum
• Portuguese: referendo, plebiscito
• Russian: рефере́ндум
• Spanish: referéndum, referendo, plebiscito

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