WordValeplebiscite
a direct vote by the whole electorate on an issue
In more detail
1. (noun) a direct vote by all the people of a country or region on an important political question
Examples
- The government held a plebiscite to ask citizens whether they supported independence.
How to use plebiscite
A plebiscite is a formal, nationwide vote on a single major political issue, often concerning sovereignty, constitutional change, or significant policy matters. It is slightly more formal and technical than the everyday term 'referendum,' and historically has been associated with appeals to popular legitimacy by leaders seeking to consolidate power, though modern usage is more neutral. The term is common in historical and political contexts.
Common phrases
- hold a plebiscite
- call a plebiscite
- plebiscite on independence
- plebiscite results
- national plebiscite
Synonyms
referendum · popular vote · public vote · poll
Word family
plebiscitary (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse plebiscite with referendum; while closely related, a plebiscite often suggests a leader-initiated vote on a question of principle or legitimacy, whereas a referendum is a broader mechanism for submitting any legislative or constitutional matter to popular vote.
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