prefect

noun

pre·​fect ˈprē-ˌfekt 

1

: any of various high officials or magistrates of differing functions and ranks in ancient Rome

2

: a chief officer or chief magistrate

3

: a student monitor in a usually private school

Examples of prefect in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

About 40,000 visitors at 45 campsites in Gironde and the neighboring Landes were evacuated, and the prefect publicly asked tourists to stay away. — Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Sophie Brocas, the prefect for the Gironde region, expressed some optimism that lower temperatures could help. — CBS News, 30 July 2026

Forecast high temperatures starting Tuesday could complicate the firefighting, Gironde prefect Sophie Brocas said. — Mark Carlson, Fortune, 27 July 2026

The Gironde prefect ordered the partial closure of a major highway heading in and out of the city. — ABC News, 26 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praefectus, from past participle of praeficere to place at the head of, from prae- + facere to make — more at do entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing prefect

• prefect apostolic

Rhymes for prefect

• affect
• aspect
• bedecked
• bisect
• collect
• connect
• correct
• deflect
• detect
• direct
• dissect
• effect

Kids Definition

prefect

noun

pre·​fect ˈprē-ˌfekt 

1

: a high official or judge (as of ancient Rome or France)

2

: a student assistant in some schools