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.
One of the biggest benefactors of the subcontractor arrangement was Edward Moody, one of Madigan’s legendary 13th Ward precinct captains who was paid more than $354,000 by ComEd between 2012 and 2018, all for little or no work, Schwartz said the evidence showed. Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2025 But Lopez the Florist is in one of the precincts Trump won. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2025 As a precinct captain, Jiménez mobilized voters help to elect Chicago’s first Black mayor. Nicole Acevedo, NBC News, 14 Jan. 2025 Trump won the Springfield-area precincts by slightly more than 50%. Maria Ramirez Uribe and Amy Sherman, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near precinct

Cite this Entry

“Precinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precinct. Accessed 12 Feb. 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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