subdivision

noun

sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˈsəb-də-ˌvi-zhən 

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

Directly south of Tierra Vista, Hanover is planning Preservation Place, a 561-lot subdivision to be built over three phases right along the turnpike. —James Wilkins, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025

Toll Brothers also recently revived plans to build nearly 700 homes in two subdivisions in northwest Meridian, roughly 12 miles away. —Nick Rosenberger, Idaho Statesman, 20 May 2025

Turning some of the richest land into subdivisions hasn’t helped pollinators withstand the pressure of civilization. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025

The home exploded just after 7:30 p.m. Friday on Suncrest Way in the Magnolia Greens subdivision, according to the fire department. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 17 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subdivision

• cablevision
• circumcision
• imprecision
• indecision
• supervision
• television
• abscission
• collision
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision

Kids Definition

subdivision

noun

sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˌsəb-də-ˈvizh-ən 

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 

: 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 

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