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 of precinct

• area
• department
• element
• realm
• walk
• field
• domain

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

In Texas, appreciating the process of patriotism Rodney Ellis will celebrate at picnics around his precinct in Houston with barbecue pork ribs and ice tea, and a heaping helping of worry about the nation's future. — Susan Bence, NPR, 4 July 2026

While there are instances where votes favoring the second homes tax line up with renter-dominant communities, there are many precincts that reveal mixed results for some communities. — Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2026

The technology has drawn public controversy since Detroit first signed a contract covering certain police precincts in 2020, and again in late 2022. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026

Even our local precinct was not made aware that the massive intake operation long located at Bellevue Hospital was being relocated into their jurisdiction. — Trish Goff, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026

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

Rhymes for precinct

• distinct
• extinct
• hoodwinked
• succinct
• unlinked
• blinked
• clinked
• inked
• kinked
• linked
• tinct
• winked

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