1847, "a submitting of a question to the voters as a whole" (originally chiefly in reference to Switzerland), from French or German, from Latin referendum "that which must be referred," literally "thing brought back," neuter gerundive of referre "to bring or take back" (see refer). As a gerundive, it has no plural in Latin; referendums is preferred in English.
实用例句
1. Estonia said it too planned to hold a referendum on independence.
爱沙尼亚称其也计划就独立问题进行全民公决。来自柯林斯例句
2. President Kaunda fulfilled his promise of announcing a date for the referendum.
卡翁达总统兑现了他的承诺，宣布了全民公决的日期。来自柯林斯例句
3. A referendum showed beyond doubt that voters wanted independence.
全民公决无疑显示选民支持独立。来自柯林斯例句
4. Parliament has bowed to the demand for a referendum next year.
议会在人们的要求下已同意在明年举行全民公投。来自柯林斯例句
5. A referendum next year would coincide explosively with the election campaign.
