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

In From Day One As countries build generation-defining infrastructure—road and rail tunnels, smart stadiums and hospital precincts—connectivity is too often bolted on late in construction. — Stephen Farrugia, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026

In Tarrant County, the top spot on the Commissioners Court is on the ballot as are commissioners for precincts in northwest and southern Tarrant County. — Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Oct. 2026

Until the county develops tighter restrictions over who can use the technology and why, Briones said her precinct will be terminating its contract with Flock. — John Lomax V, Houston Chronicle, 15 Oct. 2026

He was attacked from the right for being too radical and from certain precincts of the left for not being radical enough. — Literary Hub, 14 Oct. 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