prefecture

noun

pre·​fec·​ture ˈprē-ˌfek-chər How to pronounce prefecture (audio)
1
: the office or term of office of a prefect
2
: the official residence of a prefect
3
: the district governed by a prefect
prefectural adjective

Examples of prefecture in a Sentence

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.
Small waves were reported in Hokkaido and Aomori prefectures, but no serious damage or injuries were reported. CBS News, 12 Dec. 2025 The population of the Hokkaido brown bear, one of two bear species in Japan, has more than doubled in the last 30 years, with nearly 12,000 of the animals now roaming the country’s northernmost prefecture. Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025 What To Know The Japanese government purchased Mageshima, an uninhabited islet in Kagoshima prefecture, for $146 million in 2019. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 Multiple prefectures across northern Japan were under tsunami warnings, including Hokkaido, Aomori and Iwate. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prefecture

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prefecture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefecture. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

prefecture

noun
pre·​fec·​ture ˈprē-ˌfek-chər How to pronounce prefecture (audio)
1
: the office or term of office of a prefect
2
: the district governed by a prefect
prefectural adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on prefecture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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