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.
Bursting with art, culture, history and incredible landscapes, this area in western Japan is home to seven distinct prefectures and hundreds of idyllic islands. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 Japan may be less well known for cycling vacations, but its prefectures have all the key ingredients: pastoral countryside, cute cafés, incredible food, distinctive hotels. Rosecrans Baldwin, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2024 Not only is Japan’s opposition woefully fragmented, but Mr. Ishiba is building on a strong base of rural support, including in western Japan’s Tottori prefecture, where his constituency is located. Takehiko Kambayashi, The Christian Science Monitor, 1 Oct. 2024 Japanese officials issued a tsunami advisory and warned residents to immediately leave coastal areas of Kochi and Miyazaki prefectures until it had been lifted. Arata Yamamoto, NBC News, 8 Aug. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near prefecture

Cite this Entry

“Prefecture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefecture. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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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