C1nounpolitics
US/ˌref.əˈren.dəm/
UK/ˌref.əˈren.dəm/
a vote in which all citizens answer yes or no to one important question
In context
In 2016, British voters chose to leave the EU in a referendum.
The city will hold a referendum on banning cars from the old town.
Opposition leaders demanded a referendum before any change to the constitution.
Words that go with referendum
verb + noun
- hold a referendumSwitzerland may hold a referendum on several issues in a single year.
- call a referendumThe prime minister decided to call a referendum on the issue.
noun + preposition
- referendum onThe referendum on independence was held peacefully.
adjective + noun
- national referendumA national referendum approved the new constitution.
- second referendumSome campaigners are pushing for a second referendum.
noun + noun
- referendum resultBoth sides accepted the referendum result.