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

The Pulaski County Elections Commission has selected two precincts for early voting in the Democratic primary election to fill the House District 70 seat -- one in Sherwood and one Little Rock. —Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 3 Dec. 2025

With The District, a new precinct within Dubai Mall located near the ice rink, Emaar is adding 279 new luxury boutiques, including 81 dining options, to its already expansive offer. —Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 1 Dec. 2025

Beyond the precincts of fiction, of course, the world has a way of meddling with such bonds. —Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025

Or trying to project an election winner with half the precincts still to report. —Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Nov. 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