Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Prefecture /prēf'-ĕkˌ-chẽr/ · Pre·fec·ture · IPA /ˈpɹiˌfɛkt͡ʃəɹ/ 01 n. The office, position, or jurisdiction of a prefect; also, his official residence. 1. The office, position, or jurisdiction of a prefect; also, his official residence.