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 plural

b

: a sphere of thought, action, or influence

—often plural

3

a

precincts plural : the region immediately surrounding a place : environs

b

: place, locale

4

: boundary

—often 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

With 181 of 318 precincts reporting, McCollum led by 92,944 votes to 76,259, or 55 percent to 45 percent. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

The new rules, which have yet to be approved, would create a temporary five-year Hollywood Beach Overlay District on the barrier island with six development precincts, each with their own height and density rules. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026

The shooting happened in the 75th police precinct, where there have been at least 28 shooting incidents so far this year. — Tim McNicholas, CBS News, 22 Aug. 2026

Cothiere, a Haitian-American public school educator, excelled in precincts located in North Miami and North Miami Beach, where there are significant Haitian communities. — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 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