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

What’s more, unique and exotic high-performance vehicles will be arrayed on Supercar Avenue, providing a rare glimpse into the most exclusive precincts of the automotive world. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 22 Jan. 2025

Discover world-class shopping, indulge in exquisite food and beverages, relax in the waterfront precincts, and experience an array of events and theatre productions. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

That Trump won two Dorchester precincts was no surprise to Stenson; the Eire is in one of them and walking distance from the other. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2025

Metro is expected to add a new police precinct in the area later this year to accommodate the growth. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 6 Jan. 2025

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