Definition of PLEBISCITE (original) (raw)
: a vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal especially on a choice of government or ruler
Examples of plebiscite in a Sentence
They are going to hold a plebiscite on the question of national independence. The issue will be decided by plebiscite.
Recent Examples on the Web This means that no such plebiscite can be lawful unless the British government in London agrees to it. —
Fintan O’Toole, Foreign Affairs, 21 Feb. 2023 Building on her father’s signature initiative, the Varela Project, Payá has continued promoting the idea of conducting a vote called a plebiscite in Cuba that would potentially pave the way for democratic changes. —Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024 Swiss voters backed a plan to raise pensions, the first time in the country’s history that social benefits got an increase via plebiscite. —Bastian Benrath, Fortune Europe, 3 Mar. 2024 One of the few on the right who voted against Pinochet in a 1988 plebiscite, Piñera helped mold a new right wing that focused more on economic liberalism than Catholic conservatism and authoritarianism. —TIME, 7 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for plebiscite 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'plebiscite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from French plébiscite "law or regulation put to the vote of the entire electoral body, the process of taking such a vote," borrowed from Latin plēbisscītum, plēbīscītum "resolution of a plebeian assembly, unconditionally valid as law in Rome after a secession of the plebs in 287 b.c.," from plēbis, plēbī, genitive of plēbs plebs + scītum "resolution of a popular assembly, decree," noun derivative from neuter of scītus, past participle of scīscere "to get to know, vote for, approve (a resolution)," inchoative of sciō, scīre "to know" — more at science
First Known Use
1860, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of plebiscite was in 1860
Dictionary Entries Near plebiscite
Cite this Entry
“Plebiscite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/plebiscite. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.
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Last Updated: 23 Sep 2024 - Definition revised
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