Plural of Referendum
Cambridge records two plurals of “referendum”: regular “referendums” and formal “referenda.” The page keeps both forms valid and treats register/style as the choice factor.
Both “referendums” and formal “referenda” are accepted plurals of “referendum.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| one referendum | referendum | Use the singular form. |
| regular English plural | referendums | Accepted plural. |
| formal Latin-derived plural | referenda | Also accepted, with a more formal/traditional flavor. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Do you need the plural of “referendum”?
If yes: Use either “referendums” or “referenda,” then follow the register or house style consistently.
If no: Use singular “referendum” for one.
Caveat: Both plural forms are accepted; “referenda” can carry a more formal or traditional register, so context and style can guide the choice.
Examples
The chapter compares two referendums.
“Referendums” is an accepted regular English plural.
The appendix lists several referenda.
“Referenda” is also an accepted formal/traditional plural.
The referendum appears in the timeline.
One takes the singular “referendum.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Both “referendums” and the more formal “referenda” are dictionary-recorded plurals of “referendum.”
Fast Test
Use the form expected by your publication or field; in general prose, “referendums” is straightforward and Cambridge labels “referenda” formal.
Usage Boundary
Do not present “referenda” as the only correct plural or label “referendums” an error.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Referendum — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Direct dictionary evidence that “referendum” has plural “referendums” and formal “referenda.”