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
The objectionable programs in that case were not the Republican-baiting precincts of late-night television but the social taboo-breaking entertainments of Three’s Company, All in the Family and Knots Landing.
—Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
In this precinct, among those who have watched his entire career, Trout would seem just as much of a first ballot no-doubter as the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
Republican and Democratic delegate precincts will select their party's nominee for secretary of state at nominating conventions next year, rather than nominees being decided through a statewide primary.
—Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 24 Sep. 2025
For now, the word from the precinct is that her death presents as a likely accident, and her follow-up questions are more of a tying-of-loose-ends formality than anything else.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
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Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Sep. 2025
In this precinct, among those who have watched his entire career, Trout would seem just as much of a first ballot no-doubter as the Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 25 Sep. 2025
Republican and Democratic delegate precincts will select their party's nominee for secretary of state at nominating conventions next year, rather than nominees being decided through a statewide primary.
—Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 24 Sep. 2025
For now, the word from the precinct is that her death presents as a likely accident, and her follow-up questions are more of a tying-of-loose-ends formality than anything else.
—Andy Andersen, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precinct
Cite this Entry
“Precinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precinct. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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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