precinct

noun

pre·​cinct ˈprē-ˌsiŋ(k)t How to pronounce precinct (audio)
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
4
: boundary
often used in plural
a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's groundsT. L. Peacock

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
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.
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

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Precinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precinct. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

precinct

noun
pre·​cinct ˈprē-ˌsiŋ(k)t How to pronounce precinct (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on precinct

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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