Definition of "referendum"

referendum

/ˌɹɛfəˈɹɛndəm/

noun
plural referenda or referendums
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.)
  Quotations
  In some cases, a referendum on the proposed bond issue must be held.
  1975, Wisconsin Legislative Reference Bureau, Informational Bulletin
  Although the Cook Islands held a referendum in 1994, when voters rejected a name change, the yearning for a decolonised identity has not disappeared.
  2019, Nalini Mohabir, “Renaming the Cook Islands would be a vital step towards true independence”, in Guardian.
2. An action, choice, etc., which is perceived as passing judgment on another matter.