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

Caba’s organization, which is run by nonprofit, Good Shepherd Services, covers the 46th, 47th and 52nd NYPD precincts, and aims to remediate violence in these high-risk communities through canvassing, hospital responding and youth programming. —Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2026

Voting was extended in Dallas County and Williamson County, outside Austin, after voters reported being turned away and directed to different voting precincts because of new primary rules. —Arkansas Online, 5 Mar. 2026

The county stationed navigators at the doors of 75 polling locations with party-specific tablets to look up voters’ precincts and redirect them accordingly. —Tracey McManus, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026

The law also drew national attention for a provision that prohibits people from giving food or drinks to voters waiting in line within 150 feet of a polling place — a rule that critics argued could disproportionately affect voters in precincts where long lines are more common. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 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