subdivision

noun

sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˈsəb-də-ˌvi-zhən How to pronounce subdivision (audio)
Synonyms of subdivisionnext
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.
Belle Dean, of Gary, carried a poster to raise money for her aunt and uncle, Rose and Floyd Franklin, who live in Gary’s Glen Ryan subdivision near Miller. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 Southern Nevada has already dramatically reduced its use of Colorado River water by about 40% over the last 25 years, including by aggressively promoting the removal of thirsty grass and outlawing front-yard lawns for new subdivisions. — Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026 Parents who didn’t want younger children walking began driving them to the centralized stop, Herrick said, lining both sides of the street near the subdivision’s only entrance and exit. — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026 The roughly 15-mile Little Wekiva flows north from Orange County under state roads 436 and 434 in Altamonte Springs, before joining with the larger Wekiva River just west of the Alaqua Lake subdivision. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for subdivision

See All Rhymes for subdivision

Browse Nearby Words

subdivisible
subdivision
subdolichocephalic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subdivision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdivision. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for subdivision

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