subdivision

noun

sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˈsəb-də-ˌvi-zhən How to pronounce subdivision (audio)
1
: an act or instance of subdividing
2
: something produced by subdividing: such as
a
: a subordinate part of a larger whole
political subdivisions
b
: a tract of land surveyed and divided into lots for purposes of sale
especially : one with houses built on it
3
: a category in botanical classification ranking below a division and above a class

Examples of subdivision in a Sentence

a political subdivision of the state
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.
Two property owners applied to build homes in Cambria, California, in 2019 and 2020 respectively, in a tract where the California Coastal Commision – which must approve projects on or near the coastline – had already approved construction of 10 homes in the 18 home subdivision. Kenneth Schrupp | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Jan. 2025 Police have collared 20-year-old Daniel Taveras for trying to enter his subdivision from the wrong traffic lane, flipping off a cop, and resisting arrest. Carol Marbin Miller, Miami Herald, 2 Jan. 2025 States like Wyoming and Colorado are using maps of deer, elk, and pronghorn migrations to tweak locations of oil and gas development or potentially even modify subdivisions. Christine Peterson, Vox, 23 Dec. 2024 The governor also requests that flags at state buildings and those of political subdivisions across the State be similarly flown at half-staff in tribute. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subdivision 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subdivision was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near subdivision

Cite this Entry

“Subdivision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdivision. Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

subdivision

noun
sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˌsəb-də-ˈvizh-ən How to pronounce subdivision (audio)
1
: the act or process of subdividing
2
: one of the parts into which something is subdivided

Medical Definition

subdivision

noun
sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˈsəb-də-ˌvi-zhən How to pronounce subdivision (audio)
: a category in botanical classification ranking below a division and above a class

Legal Definition

subdivision

noun
sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˈsəb-də-ˌvi-zhən How to pronounce subdivision (audio)
1
: an act or instance of subdividing
obtain approval of his subdivision of the land
2
: a tract of land subdivided into lots
to provide streets and sewers for the subdivision
3
: a part made by subdividing
as prescribed in subdivision one of this section

More from Merriam-Webster on subdivision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!