plebiscite

[pleb-uh-sahyt, -sit]

noun

1. a direct vote of the qualified voters of a state in regard to some important public question.

2. the vote by which the people of a political unit determine autonomy or affiliation with another country.

plebiscite

/ pləˈbɪsɪtərɪ, ˈplɛbɪˌsaɪt, -sɪt /

noun

1. a direct vote by the electorate of a state, region, etc, on some question of usually national importance, such as union with another state or acceptance of a government programme

2. any expression or determination of public opinion on some matter

plebiscite

1. A vote of an entire nation or other large political unit on an issue of great importance. A plebiscite is not an election, for there are no candidates. Rather, people vote yes or no on a proposition.

Other Word Forms

• plebiscitary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of plebiscite¹

1525–35; < French < Latin plēbīscītum decree of the plebs, equivalent to plēbī (for plēbis, plēbēī genitive singular of plēbs, plēbēs plebs ) + scītum resolution, decree, noun use of neuter of scītus, past participle of scīscere to enact, decree, originally, to seek to know, learn, inchoative of scīre to know

Word History and Origins

Origin of plebiscite¹

C16: from Old French plēbiscite, from Latin plēbiscītum decree of the people, from plēbs the populace + scītum, from scīscere to decree, approve, from scīre to know

Example Sentences

He listed off a string of achievements by the Greens under his leadership, including the party's pivotal role in the marriage equality plebiscite, the First Nations Voice to Parliament referendum, and advancing "world-leading climate legislation".

From BBC

The UN recommended holding a plebiscite to settle the question of whether the state would join India or Pakistan.

From BBC

It had all the hallmarks of an authoritarian Potemkin plebiscite.

From New York Times

In April’s parliamentary plebiscite, Mr. Lee’s party will seek to expand its current majority in the National Assembly.

From Washington Times

There was the overwhelming rejection of that text last year in a national plebiscite.

From New York Times

Related Words

• election 
• poll 
• polling 
• referendum 
• slate 
• tally 
• ticket