# plebiscite

/ˈpɫɛbəˌsaɪt/ (US) · /plˈɛbɪsˌaɪt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plebiscite
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a vote where everyone in a country or area is asked to say yes or no to a specific question. It is usually used to decide on a major change in the law or government.

For teachers: a direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or constitutional amendment. Often used to legitimize a political decision or to determine the status of a territory.

## Examples

- The country held a plebiscite to decide on the new constitution.
- After months of public debate, the government scheduled a national plebiscite to determine whether the border should be redrawn.
- While the plebiscite was intended to settle the dispute once and for all, the narrow margin of victory only served to deepen the divisions within the local population.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.