precinct

noun

pre·​cinct ˈprē-ˌsiŋ(k)t 

1

: a part of a territory with definite bounds or functions often established for administrative purposes : district: such as

a

: a subdivision of a county, town, city, or ward for election purposes

b

: a division of a city for police control

2

a

: an enclosure bounded by the walls of a building

—often used in plural

b

: a sphere of thought, action, or influence

—often used in plural

3

a

precincts plural : the region immediately surrounding a place : environs

b

: place, locale

4

: boundary

—often used in plural

a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's grounds

—T. L. Peacock

Synonyms

• area
• arena
• bailiwick
• barony
• business
• circle
• demesne
• department
• discipline
• domain
• element
• fief
• fiefdom
• field
• firmament
• front
• game
• kingdom
• line
• province
• realm
• specialty
• sphere
• terrain
• walk

Examples of precinct in a Sentence

Voting results from several precincts are delayed.

They were taken to the precinct for questioning.

Recent Examples on the Web

With all precincts reporting their election results, two Ada County Republican commissioners won their primary races early Wednesday morning. —Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 22 May 2024

On May 8, the NYPD responded to a 911 call of an assault on Third Avenue within the 13th precinct, where a 66-year-old man had been punched and was later transported to Bellevue Hospital in stable condition. —Christy Piña, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin praecinctum, from Latin, neuter of praecinctus, past participle of praecingere to gird, encircle, from prae- pre- + cingere to gird — more at cincture

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

precinct

noun

pre·​cinct ˈprē-ˌsiŋ(k)t 

1

: an administrative district especially of a town or city

a police precinct

an electoral precinct

2

: a surrounding or enclosed area

within the precincts of the college