Precinct: meaning, definitions and examples

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precinct

 

[ ˈpriːsɪŋkt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

police

A district of a city or town as defined for police purposes.

Synonyms

area, district, zone.

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Word Description / Examples
precinct

This word is often used in the context of police, voting, or administrative boundaries. It is specific and more formal.

  • He was assigned to a new police precinct.
  • The votes were tallied in each precinct.
district

Used in the context of formal administrative divisions within a city, region, or country. It often refers to educational, political, or commercial sectors.

  • The school district announced new guidelines.
  • The business district is bustling with activity.
area

A general term for any specific place, region, or space. It's more casual and versatile compared to other terms.

  • She lives in a rural area.
  • This area of the city is known for its restaurants.
zone

Typically refers to an area marked for a specific purpose or use, often regulated by laws or rules. It's more technical and precise.

  • This is a no-parking zone.
  • New residential zones are being developed.

Examples of usage

  • The detectives were investigating a crime in the downtown precinct.
  • Officers patrolled the precinct to ensure safety in the neighborhood.
Context #2 | Noun

voting

An area defined for voting purposes, typically containing a polling place.

Synonyms

polling area, voting district.

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Word Description / Examples
precinct

See above.

voting district

Refers to the geographical division assigned for electoral purposes. It is used in discussions about where people belong for voting and is somewhat formal.

  • He discovered that he had been moved to a new voting district after the redistricting.
  • Every voting district has its own representative.
polling area

Specific to locations where voters go to cast their ballots. It is less formal and commonly used during discussions about where people vote.

  • Please make sure you know your polling area before Election Day.
  • There was a long line at the polling area.

Examples of usage

  • Voters lined up outside the precinct to cast their ballots.
  • Each precinct has assigned voters based on their residential address.
Context #3 | Noun

military

A space or area within a building or group of buildings occupied by a specific group of people.

Synonyms

compound, enclosure, quarter.

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Word Description / Examples
precinct

Typically used to describe a specific area within a city, often associated with police jurisdictions or electoral districts.

  • The crime rate in this precinct has dropped significantly over the past year.
  • Voters should head to their assigned precinct to cast their ballots.
enclosure

Describes an area that is surrounded by walls, fences, or other barriers; frequently used for spaces containing animals or plants.

  • The zoo is famous for its large, naturalistic enclosures.
  • The garden has a small enclosure for growing vegetables.
compound

Refers to a group of buildings within a defined area, often surrounded by walls or fences; can be residential, military, or industrial.

  • The family lived in a large compound with several houses and a big garden.
  • The military compound was heavily guarded.
quarter

Commonly refers to a distinct part of a city or town, often with a specific cultural or historical significance; can also mean a lodging or housing area, especially for military personnel.

  • The old quarter of the city is known for its charming narrow streets and traditional shops.
  • The military personnel live in the officers' quarter.

Examples of usage

  • The military personnel gathered in the designated precinct for briefing.
  • The precinct was secured by the soldiers for the high-level meeting.

Translations

Translations of the word "precinct" in other languages:

🇵🇹 distrito

🇮🇳 इलाका

🇩🇪 Bezirk

🇮🇩 kecamatan

🇺🇦 дільниця

🇵🇱 dzielnica

🇯🇵 管区 (kanku)

🇫🇷 circonscription

🇪🇸 distrito

🇹🇷 bölge

🇰🇷 구역 (guyeok)

🇸🇦 منطقة

🇨🇿 okrsek

🇸🇰 obvod

🇨🇳 辖区 (xiáqū)

🇸🇮 okrožje

🇮🇸 umdæmi

🇰🇿 аумақ

🇬🇪 უბანი

🇦🇿 ərazi

🇲🇽 distrito

Etymology

The word 'precinct' originated from the Latin word 'praecinctus', which means 'encircled' or 'girded'. In ancient Rome, it referred to the surrounding area of a military camp. Over time, the meaning evolved to include defined areas within cities for various purposes like law enforcement, voting, and military operations. The concept of precincts has been integral to urban planning and governance throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,194, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.