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
4
: boundary
—often used in plural
a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's grounds—
T. L. Peacock
T. L. PeacockExamples 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
That earlier line of cases— and its appeals—likewise struck down maps connecting Black-majority precincts from Shreveport to Baton Rouge.
—Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
In certain ideological precincts, Mamdani’s name has become totemic—shorthand for everything wrong with New York, which itself is shorthand for everything wrong with America.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
Daniel Baxter, chief of operations for the elections department, said 99,000 Detroiters already received absentee ballots, adding that early voting also drives numbers beyond in-person voting at precincts.
—Dana Afana, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Andrea Cortés as Deputy Carla Ortiz, an officer in Titus’ precinct.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precinct
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Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
In certain ideological precincts, Mamdani’s name has become totemic—shorthand for everything wrong with New York, which itself is shorthand for everything wrong with America.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2025
Daniel Baxter, chief of operations for the elections department, said 99,000 Detroiters already received absentee ballots, adding that early voting also drives numbers beyond in-person voting at precincts.
—Dana Afana, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Andrea Cortés as Deputy Carla Ortiz, an officer in Titus’ precinct.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precinct
Cite this Entry
“Precinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precinct. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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