Is “referendum” singular or plural?
The plural of referendum turns out to be a contentious topic in grammar, surprising as it may be to learn. As far as correct usage goes, the major online dictionaries still state that a referendum accepts both referenda and referendums as a plural noun form.
The committee discussed several important referenda before making a decision. (Using the Latin plural form, which is accepted.)
The voters approved both referendums on the ballot. (Using the Anglicized plural form, which is also accepted.)
The town planned two major referendum for the spring. (Using the singular form when a plural is required.)
We need to consider all the different referenduma proposed. (Using a non-standard or incorrect attempt at a Latin plural.)
Though there is a seemingly on-going, raging debate on the correct plural, to the extent that this should inspire confidence in the use of referenda on the individual level is a personal choice. We present the facts, and are here as a guide to better writing. At the end of the day, do what suits you best.
The gist: referendum
While referendum might sound like arcane phraseology, the root word, ”refer”, should recall bring to mind similar words in English such as to relate, remember, remiss, reflect, recapitulate, remind, and so on. To refer comes from Latin, referre “to relate, refer”; whereas referendum has kept its Latin form, referendum, which in Latin means “that which must be referred,” and “thing brought back”.
The original Latin plural form is referenda. Any familiarity with Latinate suffixes suggests to replace the –um with an –a to show a pl. n.: curriculum, curricula; memorandum, memoranda; colloquium, colloquia; etc. These words, and others have maintained their original Latin forms:
| singular | plural |
|---|---|
| colloquium | colloquia or colloquiums |
| referendum | referenda or referendums |
| memorandum | memoranda or memorandums |
| curriculum | curricula or curriculums |
| addendum | addenda or addendums |
| symposium | symposia or symposiums |
Here’s another thing: most Latin nouns now accept the standard plural form in English as well, which is to add an –s: curriculums, referendums, memorandums, colloquiums, and so on. This is because these Latin plurals are tough for English speakers to get a grip on, and so the default is to add the –s. Over time and consistent misuse, the error becomes the rule. Now, if you Google ‘what’s the plural of referendum?’ some sources state that referendum has officially jettisoned referenda as a plural, and only accepts referendums.
What’s a referendum?
A referendum is defined as the following: “If a country holds a referendum on a particular policy, they ask the people to vote on the policy and show whether or not they agree with it.”
Irregular nouns that end in -um and -a:
Irregular nouns that end in -on/-um typically convert to –a as a plural. This is characteristic of Latin words, and referendum is Latin, it’s since foregone its original Latinate form in exchange for the Modern English –s to denote a plural. See the chart of other irregular plurals that come from Latin:
Referendum’s plurals, know “referenda” is like “data” (Latin) & “referendums” is like “museums” (English). Both work!
Examples of referendum used in context
The following sentences show the correct use of the word referendum in context:
1. The Republican Party’s defeat in the Virginia election was a “referendum” on President Trump’s administration, Republican congressman Scott Taylor has said. (The Independent)
2. Estonia said today it too plans to hold a referendum on independence.
3. What if she is forced to hold another referendum?
4. Without a looming referendum the government would be governing instead of campaigning or waiting for the result.
5. Voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a referendum question asking if they wanted to impose a district election system on the city, but a state senator pushing the move says the vote was “a sham.” (The Asheville Citizen-Times)
Examples of referendums used in context:
The following sentences show the correct use of the word referendums in context:
1. Nonrecurring referendums to exceed the state-imposed revenue cap previously approved by voters in the Wheatland Center School and Randall School districts will expire this year. (The Kenosha News)
2. Why hold elections and referendums if the public are not going to accept the outcome of them?
3. Mayoral referendums are being held today in Plymouth and Harlow.
4. Why not call a referendum to ask whether we want any more referendums: yes or no?
5. Times, Sunday Times (2015)
6. Virtual referendums on matters large or small are instant.
Synonyms for referendum:
- ballot
- poll
- plebiscite
- public vote
Origin of the word referendum
From etymonline on referendum:
1847, “a submitting of a question to the voters as a whole” from Latin referendum “that which must be referred”.
What’s the difference between they’re, their, and there?
Sources
- Definition of referendum.
- Sentence examples referendum.
- Synonyms for referendum.
- Origin of referendum.
Work Sheet
According to the blog post, which of the following are accepted plural forms of “referendum” by major online dictionaries?
The blog post mentions that “referenda” is the original form from which language?
Which plural form of “referendum” follows the standard English pattern of adding -s?
The blog post provides an example of incorrect usage: “The town planned two major referendum for the spring.” Why is this sentence incorrect?
According to the post, what is the status of the form “referenduma”?
The committee discussed several important before making a decision. (Fill in the blank with an accepted plural form from the post)
The voters approved both on the ballot. (Fill in the blank with the Anglicized plural form from the post)
Using the word when a plural is required, such as in “two major _______”, is marked as incorrect usage in the blog post.
Besides “referendum”, the blog post lists other Latin nouns ending in -um that accept both -a and -s plurals. One example provided is .
The blog post suggests that the choice between “referenda” and “referendums” for personal use is a personal .
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the accepted plurals of referendum?
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Can I use “referendum” for multiple items?
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Is there a debate about the plural form?
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Where do the different plural forms come from?
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Do other Latin -um words have similar plurals?
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Yash, D. "What’s the Plural of Referendum?." Grammarflex, Jun 2, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/whats-the-plural-of-referendum/.
