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Definitions

referendum

[ref-uh-ren-duhm] / ˌrɛf əˈrɛn dəm /
NOUN
popular vote on matter
Synonyms


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

She made it easier for them to hold a vote, lowering the number of signatures needed on petitions to trigger a referendum and giving them more time to collect them.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026

Burnham, the former Mayor of Manchester, has said he wants to devolve more power to local areas around the UK, while the first minister has called for a second Scottish independence referendum by 2031.

From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2026

If a majority votes to stay, Smith says she won't approve another referendum.

From Barron's ● Oct. 15, 2026

This effectively turns a Monte dei Paschi shareholder vote due to take place later this month into a referendum on the competing proposals, Pratas says.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2026

In order to find out where women actually stood on the issue, in November 1895, Massachusetts conducted a nonbinding referendum.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Switzerland's system of direct democracy means major political decisions are often deferred to the voters through referenda.

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026

State referenda can be difficult to poll, but surveys say Maine on Tuesday might have a couple of squeakers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2025

Berlin, Hamburg and the Ruhr region are also developing bids, with referenda to be held in 2026.

From Barron's ● Oct. 26, 2025

The report acknowledges that any constitutional change is a long way off, and would likely require a combination of petitions, referenda and legislation by the Scottish and U.K. governments.

From Washington Times ● Jul. 3, 2023

These two referenda virtually settled the question in New York, though for a time a compromise was adopted.

From The History of Education; educational practice and progress considered as a phase of the development and spread of western civilization by Ellwood Patterson Cubberley

McOsker said the change makes the number of signatures needed for referendums and voter initiatives consistent in the city charter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

According to the Washington Policy Center, the Washington Legislature Bill Drafting Guide says that a “necessity clause” or “emergency clause” protects legislation against voter referendums.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 11, 2026

Speaking of referendums, how about one to eliminate the State of the Union?

From Slate ● Feb. 24, 2026

Maria Steen is a barrister and campaigner on social issues, who opposed the legalisation of same-sex marriage and abortion during referendums in the last decade.

From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2025

On the ballot in November 1867, the men in Kansas faced two referendums, one that deleted the word “white” from the description of voters and a second that deleted the word “male.”

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling


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