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 of precinct

• 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

Officers connect suspect to prior traffic stop According to AACO police, officers from the Northern District precinct were requested to visit the Lindale Middle School sports field on Andover Road for a report of vandalism. —Andrew Adeolu, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026

The precinct at Gashland Baptist Church in Kansas City welcomed over 400 voters in the April 7 municipal election, according to preliminary turnout data. —Jack Harvel april 10, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026

County Administrator Paul Adams maintained countywide voting for the primary’s early voting period, making the switch to precincts effective only on election day. —Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 7 Apr. 2026

One of them told Felder that the precinct had received a complaint about a trespasser at the synagogue. —Eyal Press, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

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