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
4
: boundary
—often used in plural
a ruined tower within the precincts of the squire's grounds—
T. L. Peacock
T. L. PeacockExamples 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
Rank-and-file cops in 12 police precincts and 12 transit districts are currently working longer tours, union officials said.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
An early report by The New York Times claimed that as many as 38 witnesses saw Kitty being attacked three times, and no one tried to help her or called the police at their local precincts, as 911 didn't exist at the time.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
In Pennsylvania, the most valuable swing state, the Jewish share of the vote dwarfs whatever is coming from Muslim or Arab American precincts.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
The precinct housed a courtroom where Black judges presided over cases involving Black defendants.
—Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precinct
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Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
An early report by The New York Times claimed that as many as 38 witnesses saw Kitty being attacked three times, and no one tried to help her or called the police at their local precincts, as 911 didn't exist at the time.
—Jessica Sager, People.com, 13 Mar. 2025
In Pennsylvania, the most valuable swing state, the Jewish share of the vote dwarfs whatever is coming from Muslim or Arab American precincts.
—Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
The precinct housed a courtroom where Black judges presided over cases involving Black defendants.
—Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for precinct
Cite this Entry
“Precinct.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/precinct. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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