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

• 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

He's served as a precinct executive, executive vice president, parliamentarian and other roles for the Hamilton County Democrats. —Scott Wartman, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

The new historical marker is a project of the Montgomery County Historical Commission with sponsorship from five county precinct constables including Philip Cash, David Eason, Ryan Gable, Rowdy Hayden and Christopher Jones. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025

Howey will play the precinct’s new captain Jesse Wagner, a savvy political animal who knows how to wear an expensive suit and oozes effortless charm. —Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 26 June 2025

In the aftermath, Rozario’s relatives were taken to the precinct stationhouse and questioned without a lawyer, preventing them from riding in the ambulance with the dying man, the lawsuit alleges. —Graham Rayman, New York Daily News, 23 June 2025

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