prefecture

noun

pre·​fec·​ture ˈprē-ˌfek-chər How to pronounce prefecture (audio)
1
: the office or term of office of a prefect
2
: the official residence of a prefect
3
: the district governed by a prefect
prefectural adjective

Examples of prefecture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Haute-Marne prefecture and Nogent police didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information. Becca Longmire, People.com, 11 June 2025 Yamanashi prefecture, west of Tokyo, is famous for a local dish called houtou, a soup consisting of flat udon and vegetables. Yukari Sakamoto, AFAR Media, 12 June 2025 Overcrowding and other problems prompted officials in Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures — which share Mount Fuji — to institute new rules ahead of the 2025 climbing season. Jack Guy, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025 This project reflects her wish to contribute towards solving the issues of child poverty, experience discrepancy and education in her home prefecture of Okinawa by providing free English learning opportunities to young people. Billboard Japan, Billboard, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prefecture

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prefecture was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prefecture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefecture. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

prefecture

noun
pre·​fec·​ture ˈprē-ˌfek-chər How to pronounce prefecture (audio)
1
: the office or term of office of a prefect
2
: the district governed by a prefect
prefectural adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on prefecture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!