1. A vote in which a population exercises the right of national self-determination: "They are going to hold a plebiscite on the question of national independence."
2. A public expression of the will or opinion of a whole community: "The issues will be decided by plebiscites."
3. A direct vote in which the entire electorate is invited to accept or to refuse a proposal: "The amendment to the constitution was ratified in a plebiscite."