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

These are the patients that precincts play pinball with, the ones whose crimes aren’t based in reality, so arrest has no effect, and NYPD catch-and-release bail reform has them back on the streets by morning. —Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 18 Dec. 2024

By the numbers: Right now, the CARE teams operate in only two of the city's five police precincts and only from noon to 10pm, Jacob Adams, the CARE department's chief of staff, told Axios last week. —Melissa Santos, Axios, 17 Dec. 2024

Commissioner Tisch got 30 pastrami and corned beef sandwiches from the Second Avenue Deli, brought them to the cramped offices of the Manhattan North precinct where investigators had been working and posed for a picture with the investigators. —Maria Cramer, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2024

An electronic poll book at each precinct shows whether voters have already cast a ballot. —Christina Hall, Detroit Free Press, 11 Dec. 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