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

As people moved to new subdivisions on former ranchland in the San Fernando Valley, hillside lots were no longer on L.A.’s outskirts. —Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2025

Even subdivisions that don’t contribute directly to a city’s tax base can generate other helpful economic effects. —Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Feb. 2025

Many more subdivisions and apartment complexes, both completed and under construction, line N.C. 150 east into and through Mooresville. —Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 15 Jan. 2025

On the ground: The fires have torn through communities of every socioeconomic status and stripe, affecting mansions as well as ’70s townhouses, ranches and subdivisions. —Natasha Frost, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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