subdivide

verb

sub·​di·​vide ˌsəb-də-ˈvīd How to pronounce subdivide (audio)
ˈsəb-də-ˌvīd
subdivided; subdividing; subdivides
Synonyms of subdividenext

transitive verb

1
: to divide the parts of into more parts
2
: to divide into several parts
especially : to divide (a tract of land) into building lots

intransitive verb

: to separate or become separated into subdivisions
subdividable
ˌsəb-də-ˈvī-də-bəl How to pronounce subdivide (audio)
ˈsəb-də-ˌvī-
adjective
subdivider noun

Examples of subdivide in a Sentence

The house is being subdivided into several apartments. The people who attend the conference can be subdivided into three distinct groups. He plans to subdivide his property. The land will be subdivided into building lots.
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.
To be sure, the question asking voters to name their top concerns lists several economy- and cost-related topics separately, subdividing an issue that might otherwise rank higher if lumped into a single category. — Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Absentee investors act as hosts or hire property managers to handle bookings, packing as many as 14 people into formerly 2-bedroom units subdivided with unpermitted walls. — Linda Robertson updated October 22, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2026 Flexibility is key to the design; almost half of the building is devoted to a multipurpose space that can be readily subdivided into two identically sized spaces. — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Ultimately, the land was sold, subdivided into lots, and became the town of Lewistown. — Scott Baldauf, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subdivide

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin subdividere, from Latin sub- + dividere to divide

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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

Rhymes for subdivide

See All Rhymes for subdivide

Browse Nearby Words

subdividable
subdivide
subdivisible
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subdivide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdivide. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

subdivide

verb
sub·​di·​vide ˌsəb-də-ˈvīd How to pronounce subdivide (audio)
1
: to divide the parts of something into more parts
2
: to divide into several parts
especially : to divide a piece of land into building lots

Legal Definition

subdivide

transitive verb
sub·​di·​vide ˌsəb-də-ˈvīd, ˈsəb-də-ˌ How to pronounce subdivide (audio)
: to divide into several parts
specifically : to divide (a tract of land) into two or more lots for sale or building development

More from Merriam-Webster on subdivide

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