rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryprecinctPolice district
noun

precinct

PREE-singkt/ˈpriːsɪŋkt/

A defined local area designated for a particular activity or administration.

The outlined precinct surrounds the police station on the town map.

A small town map with one local administrative district outlined clearly around a police station, no labels.
Etymology
preLatinbefore
+cinctLatinto surround, encircle

Encircling supplies the image of an area enclosed by a boundary. That bounded space became a district defined for government, representation, or policing.

In context

Arlington Community Media Inc.4:01
towns are divided into precinct or districts and members are elected from each so that there would be a proportional representation from across the community
Intro to the Ways of Town Meeting - April 7, 2012

More examples

  • Each precinct reports its vote totals after the polls close.
  • The police search neighboring precincts for the missing car.
  • Visitors can explore the gardens within the cathedral precincts.

Forms

precinct · precincts

Similar words

district
A broader term for areas defined for many different purposes.
ward
A city division used especially for representation or local government.