plebiscite

[ pleb-uh-sahyt, -sit ]
/ ˈplɛb əˌsaɪt, -sɪt /

noun

a direct vote of the qualified voters of a state in regard to some important public question.
the vote by which the people of a political unit determine autonomy or affiliation with another country.

Origin of plebiscite

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, orig., to seek to know, learn, inchoative of scīre to know

Words nearby plebiscite

Example sentences from the Web for plebiscite

British Dictionary definitions for plebiscite

plebiscite
/ (ˈplɛbɪˌsaɪt, -sɪt) /

noun

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
any expression or determination of public opinion on some matter
See also referendum

Derived forms of plebiscite

plebiscitary (pləˈbɪsɪtərɪ), adjective

Word Origin for plebiscite

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

Cultural definitions for plebiscite

plebiscite
[ (pleb-uh-seyet, pleb-uh-suht) ]

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.