redistrict: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Technical, Political
Quick answer
What does “redistrict” mean?
To divide an area into new political or administrative districts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To divide an area into new political or administrative districts.
To adjust the boundaries of electoral or administrative districts, typically after a census or to reflect population changes; the process often has significant political implications.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the term 'redistrict' is less common; 'redraw constituency boundaries' or 'boundary review' are more frequent. The concept is central to American politics due to the term 'gerrymandering'.
Connotations
In the US, heavily associated with partisan politics, gerrymandering, and power struggles. In the UK, connotes a periodic, independent review process.
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English. In UK corpora, related phrases (boundary review) are more common than the verb itself.
Grammar
How to Use “redistrict” in a Sentence
[Govt. body] + redistrict + [area] (e.g., The committee will redistrict the state.)[Area] + be + redistricted (e.g., The city was redistricted last year.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “redistrict” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Boundary Commission will redistrict several constituencies before the next election.
- Is it fair to redistrict based solely on population figures?
American English
- The state legislature voted to redistrict, favoring the incumbent party.
- After the 2020 census, Texas was required to redistrict.
adverb
British English
- The map was drawn redistrictly to ensure population balance. (Very rare/unnatural)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form in use)
adjective
British English
- The redistricting process is overseen by an independent body.
- A redistrict proposal was met with public scrutiny.
American English
- The redistricting plan was challenged in court for racial bias.
- Gerrymandering is a controversial redistrict tactic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in context of sales territories being reorganised.
Academic
Used in political science, geography, and law texts discussing electoral systems.
Everyday
Very rare in casual conversation. Appears in news about politics.
Technical
Core term in electoral cartography, political strategy, and constitutional law.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “redistrict”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “redistrict”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “redistrict”
- Using it as a noun (e.g., 'a redistrict') – the noun is 'redistricting'.
- Confusing with 'redistribute'.
- Assuming it's a common, everyday verb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Redistrict' is the neutral, official term for changing district boundaries. 'Gerrymander' is a negative term meaning to redistrict in an unfair, manipulative way to benefit a specific political party.
Yes. While most common for political/electoral districts, the term can apply to redrawing boundaries for school zones, police precincts, or other administrative units.
The noun is 'redistricting' (the process or act). For example, 'The redistricting will be completed by next fall.'
It typically occurs every 10 years, following the national census, to reflect population shifts. However, it can happen more often due to court orders or other legal challenges.
To divide an area into new political or administrative districts.
Redistrict is usually formal, technical, political in register.
Redistrict: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈdɪstrɪkt/, and in American English it is pronounced /riˈdɪstrɪkt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RE-DISTRICT. To DISTRICT an area again (RE-). The government draws the district lines again.
Conceptual Metaphor
POLITICS IS A MAP-MAKING GAME (drawing lines to create advantage).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of redistricting?