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

Divide and Dissolve, an instrumental project helmed by the composer Takiaya Reed, runs a gamut of sounds, from the weightier precincts of doom metal to softer, more atmospheric arrangements. —Hanif Abdurraqib, New Yorker, 18 Dec. 2025

People did collectively, in movements and parties and unions, and even in more rarefied precincts of power and intellectual influence, though any individual champion always had the potential to disappoint or sell out. —Sam Lipsyte, Curbed, 15 Dec. 2025

The defense repeatedly questioned Wasser about what happened during that 11-minute period, noting that other officers got to the precinct in 9 minutes. —Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025

Drones are positioned at three precincts and operated from the Crime Analysis Center at police headquarters in Yaphank. —Jenna Deangelis, CBS News, 11 Dec. 2025

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