precinct

noun

pre·​cinct ˈprē-ˌsiŋ(k)t How to pronounce precinct (audio)
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
4
: boundary
often used in plural
a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's groundsT. L. Peacock

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Corbin returned home after Floyd’s murder by a police officer in Minneapolis in May 2020, and was outside the 3rd police precinct the night protesters overtook the building and set it aflame. Eamon Whalen, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025 Outside of just recruiting precinct chairs and fundraising, Moses wants to expand the reach of the Democratic Party and to bring more people to the table. Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2025 Every precinct committee person also needs to help with voter registration and canvassing, Tallian said. Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 22 June 2025 That shark didn’t stroll into the police precinct and start biting people. Stephanie Sengwe, People.com, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for precinct

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of precinct was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Precinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precinct. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

precinct

noun
pre·​cinct ˈprē-ˌsiŋ(k)t How to pronounce precinct (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on precinct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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