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
4
: boundary
—often used in plural
a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's grounds—
T. L. Peacock
T. L. PeacockExamples 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
Her ex-boyfriend is currently being questioned while in custody at the 46th precinct but no one has yet been charged, per ABC 7.
—Latoya Gayle, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
The Context An investigation was launched in August into the Hanceville Police Department in the city around 40 miles north of Birmingham, after Christopher Willingham, 49, was found dead in his dispatcher's office at the precinct shortly after 11 a.m. August 23, Al.com reports.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
Among the recipients were two former aldermen, Frank Olivo and Michael Zalewski, precinct captains Ray Nice and Edward Moody, and former state Rep. Edward Acevedo.
—Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
Meng, meanwhile, said in a statement to Fox News Digital that her office has been in contact with the local police precinct and that Moya has kept her office updated on the situation.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precinct
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Latoya Gayle, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
The Context An investigation was launched in August into the Hanceville Police Department in the city around 40 miles north of Birmingham, after Christopher Willingham, 49, was found dead in his dispatcher's office at the precinct shortly after 11 a.m. August 23, Al.com reports.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Feb. 2025
Among the recipients were two former aldermen, Frank Olivo and Michael Zalewski, precinct captains Ray Nice and Edward Moody, and former state Rep. Edward Acevedo.
—Ray Long, Chicago Tribune, 12 Feb. 2025
Meng, meanwhile, said in a statement to Fox News Digital that her office has been in contact with the local police precinct and that Moya has kept her office updated on the situation.
—Michael Dorgan, Fox News, 4 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precinct
Cite this Entry
“Precinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precinct. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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