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.
Some may also be deterred by the need and cost of obtaining easements, subdivisions and other permitting requirements for a sale. — Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 7 July 2026 The bank's research team pointed to semiconductor equipment and telecom networks as examples of subdivision within the space. — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 8 July 2026 The eastern flank of the fire also made a significant push north, but fire crews were able to protect the Glade Ranch subdivision and Benchmark Lookout, Cook said. — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 4 July 2026 No carrier executive in 2020 stood on a stage and announced that 5G’s defining achievement would be delivering living room broadband to rural homes and suburban subdivisions underserved by cable. — Shivendra Panwar, IEEE Spectrum, 24 June 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 10 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of subdivision for Spanish Speakers

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