prefect

noun

pre·​fect ˈprē-ˌfekt How to pronounce prefect (audio)
1
: any of various high officials or magistrates of differing functions and ranks in ancient Rome
2
: a chief officer or chief magistrate
3
: a student monitor in a usually private school

Examples of prefect 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.
Why burn down the Limoges city hall, the tourist office in Lyon, storm the Marseille city hall, or attack the prefect’s residence in Bordeaux? — Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026 Haute-Vienne prefect Maurice Barate told LCI television that the blaze, which was under control Sunday, was deliberate. — ABC News, 18 Oct. 2026 Haute-Vienne prefect Maurice Barate told LCI television that the fire was deliberately set and nearly destroyed the building. — Sylvie Corbet, Christian Science Monitor, 18 Oct. 2026 The day was also a feast in honor of the recipient – typically the prefect of Rome, who supervised the city’s jurisdictions and police. — Joëlle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prefect

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praefectus, from past participle of praeficere to place at the head of, from prae- + facere to make — more at do entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prefect was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing prefect

Rhymes for prefect

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Browse Nearby Words

prefatory
prefect
prefect's court
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Cite this Entry

“Prefect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prefect. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prefect

noun
pre·​fect ˈprē-ˌfekt How to pronounce prefect (audio)
1
: a high official or judge (as of ancient Rome or France)
2
: a student assistant in some schools

More from Merriam-Webster on prefect

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prefect

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