How to pronounce referendum
Say it like ref-uh-REN-dum. Referendum has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce referendum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ref
- uh
- REN
- dum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Referendum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- refGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- dumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of referendum
American and British speakers say referendum in essentially the same way: /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/ in the US and /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: ref-uh-REN-dum.
What does referendum mean?
- a legislative act is referred for final approval to a popular vote by the electorate
Where does referendum come from?
From Latin referendum (“that which ought to be announced”), from refero (“to announce”).
Words that rhyme with referendum
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of referendum.
Questions about saying referendum
How do you pronounce referendum?
Say ref-uh-REN-dum. The American pronunciation is /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/. In British English it is /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in referendum?
Referendum has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (REN). Broken into parts: ref · uh · REN · dum.
Do Americans and Brits say referendum the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/ and the British form is /ˌrɛfəˈrɛndəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.