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

• area
• arena
• bailiwick
• barony
• business
• circle
• demesne
• department
• discipline
• domain
• element
• fief
• fiefdom
• field
• firmament
• front
• game
• kingdom
• line
• province
• realm
• specialty
• sphere
• terrain
• walk

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

Gayle Cosby won over Hasaan Rashid for the District 2 race with 54% of votes with 100% of precincts counted in Marion County, according to unofficial results from the Marion County Election Board. —Caroline Beck, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Nov. 2024

Arizona will not start reporting results until all precincts have reported their tabulations or one hour after polls close, whichever comes first. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

There have been no other threats in Washington as of 2 p.m. In Georgia, election officials had to evacuate two polling precinct locations due to noncredible bomb threats. —Yash Roy, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024

Will poll watchers intimidate voters in Latino-heavy precincts? —The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024

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

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