English UsageGrammar guide
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
Confusion Familycompeting plural forms
Rule Familynumber and classical plurals
Termsreferendum, referendums, referenda
Variant ScopeCambridge records “referendums” and formal “referenda” as plural forms.
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.”