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
ˈprē-ˌfek-chə-rəl How to pronounce prefecture (audio)
pri-ˈfek-
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.
The prefecture did not name the ship. — Reuters, NBC news, 1 June 2026 Rescue teams with search dogs had been dispatched to the mountainous area in Haixi prefecture on the Tibetan plateau. — ABC News, 16 June 2026 The Paris police prefecture said some people vandalized shops, set fires and torched vehicles during the unrest. — Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2026 Authorities in northern Aomori prefecture said on Monday that a man found dead on a mountain that day may have been attacked by a bear. — CBS News, 30 June 2026 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

Phrases Containing prefecture

Rhymes for prefecture

See All Rhymes for prefecture

Browse Nearby Words

prefectural
prefecture
prefecture apostolic
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Cite this Entry

“Prefecture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefecture. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
prē-ˈfek-chə-rəl How to pronounce prefecture (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on prefecture

Nglish: Translation of prefecture for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prefecture

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