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
The board also rejected a provisional ballot of a voter who voted in the wrong precinct.
—Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
The rising cost of living, combined with limited access to county services, is a major concern across our precinct.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Presenting a utility bill as a valid form of identification at a voting precinct in West Virginia has gone the way of the tavern polling place and the punch-card ballot.
—John Raby, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
View gallery - 5 images In a particularly vibrant nightlife precinct of Shenzhen, in China, the main attraction may be a massive landlocked cruise ship that's been turned into hotels, bars and restaurants.
—New Atlas, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for precinct
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Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2026
The rising cost of living, combined with limited access to county services, is a major concern across our precinct.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026
Presenting a utility bill as a valid form of identification at a voting precinct in West Virginia has gone the way of the tavern polling place and the punch-card ballot.
—John Raby, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
View gallery - 5 images In a particularly vibrant nightlife precinct of Shenzhen, in China, the main attraction may be a massive landlocked cruise ship that's been turned into hotels, bars and restaurants.
—New Atlas, 8 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for precinct
Cite this Entry
“Precinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precinct. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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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