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
Because the crash happened not far from one of the department’s precincts, officers on routine patrol were able to get to the scene almost immediately, Chatham County police said.
—Saleen Martin, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Tarrant County’s explosive growth means some precincts have significantly more residents than others, requiring boundary adjustments that will affect representation and resource allocation.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Served as deputy regional organizer and get out the vote director during the 2024 election cycle, managing a team of 26 fellows at UNC Charlotte and helping nearly double turnout in a campus precinct compared to 2020.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
The three central male characters — Mike, Lou, and Orman — all converge on the archetype of the lone wolf, a dubious label the collaboration-shirking Lou has taken on in his precinct, and one his colleagues are decidedly over.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precinct
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Saleen Martin, USA Today, 18 Feb. 2026
Tarrant County’s explosive growth means some precincts have significantly more residents than others, requiring boundary adjustments that will affect representation and resource allocation.
—Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2026
Served as deputy regional organizer and get out the vote director during the 2024 election cycle, managing a team of 26 fellows at UNC Charlotte and helping nearly double turnout in a campus precinct compared to 2020.
—Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
The three central male characters — Mike, Lou, and Orman — all converge on the archetype of the lone wolf, a dubious label the collaboration-shirking Lou has taken on in his precinct, and one his colleagues are decidedly over.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for precinct
Cite this Entry
“Precinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precinct. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.
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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