1. a student monitor or leader given authority over other students in a school
Usage: British
2. a high-ranking administrative official or magistrate
Usage: formal

Examples

• Sarah was appointed head prefect for her final year at school.
• The prefects were responsible for maintaining order during lunch breaks.
• As a prefect, he had to report any rule violations to the teachers.
• The school prefects organized the charity fundraising event.
• In ancient Rome, a prefect governed important provinces.
• The prefect issued new regulations for the district.