First Known Use: 1847
Dictionary
referendum
noun ref·er·en·dum \ˌre-fə-ˈren-dəm\
: an event in which the people of a county, state, etc., vote for or against a law that deals with a specific issue : a public vote on a particular issue
plural ref·er·en·da\-də\ or ref·er·en·dums
Full Definition of REFERENDUM
1
a : the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure passed on or proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative b : a vote on a measure so submitted
2
: a diplomatic agent's note asking for government instructions
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Origin of REFERENDUM
New Latin, from Latin, neuter of referendus, gerundive of referre to refer
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Rhymes with REFERENDUM
REFERENDA Defined for Kids
referendum
noun ref·er·en·dum \ˌre-fə-ˈren-dəm\
plural ref·er·en·da \-də\ or ref·er·en·dums
Definition of REFERENDUM for Kids
: the practice of voting on an issue
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