prefecture

noun

pre·​fec·​ture ˈprē-ˌfek-chər How to pronounce prefecture (audio)
1
: the office or term of office of a prefect
2
: the official residence of a prefect
3
: the district governed by a prefect
prefectural adjective

Examples of prefecture in a Sentence

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.
Takaichi was born and raised in the central Japanese prefecture of Nara. NPR, 21 Oct. 2025 Most fatalities have occurred in the northeastern region of Japan, plus the northern prefecture of the island of Hokkaido. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025 The southernmost prefecture of Japan, Okinawa is made up of about 160 islands—roughly 40 of them are inhabited—surrounded by clear, turquoise waters. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 19 Oct. 2025 The stadium is owned by the prefecture. Jack Lang, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prefecture

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

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Cite this Entry

“Prefecture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefecture. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

prefecture

noun
pre·​fec·​ture ˈprē-ˌfek-chər How to pronounce prefecture (audio)
1
: the office or term of office of a prefect
2
: the district governed by a prefect
prefectural adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on prefecture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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