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
Tarrant County residents in favor of the redistricting stated that the precincts must reflect the Republican majority in Tarrant County.
—Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
Ordinarily, candidates, the public and news organizations can see votes coming in, precinct by precinct, and know exactly who is leading and where their support comes from.
—David B. Caruso, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Crime Lab researchers found that district and precinct captains have the largest potential impact on their colleagues, despite often receiving little leadership training for the job.
—Claudia Lauder, Christian Science Monitor, 23 June 2025
The unions can quickly mobilize and don’t have to build precinct canvassing operations from scratch.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for precinct
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Samara Gerstle, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2025
Ordinarily, candidates, the public and news organizations can see votes coming in, precinct by precinct, and know exactly who is leading and where their support comes from.
—David B. Caruso, Chicago Tribune, 24 June 2025
Crime Lab researchers found that district and precinct captains have the largest potential impact on their colleagues, despite often receiving little leadership training for the job.
—Claudia Lauder, Christian Science Monitor, 23 June 2025
The unions can quickly mobilize and don’t have to build precinct canvassing operations from scratch.
—Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 June 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 29 Jul. 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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