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

Remi Recio, deputy prefect of Narbonne, said crews were using thermal drones and GPS mapping to monitor for flareups. —Arkansas Online, 9 Aug. 2025

The deputy prefect indicated that gangs most commonly use parcel systems or send items through tourists with no criminal record. —Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 1 Aug. 2025

But a few major appointments await, most importantly to fill Leo’s old job as prefect of the office that vets bishop nominations. —Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2025

Jesus was then put on trial and later sentenced to death by Pontius Pilate, the Roman prefect of Judea. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

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

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