zoning

1 of 2

noun

zon·​ing ˈzō-niŋ How to pronounce zoning (audio)
: the act or process of partitioning a city, town, or borough into zones reserved for different purposes (such as residence or business)
also : the set of ordinances by which such zones are established and regulated
voted to change the town's zoning
zoning laws

zoning

2 of 2

present participle of zone entry 2

Examples of zoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The stadium and parking areas will be state facilities owned by the Kansas Sports Facilities Authority, which would not be subject to local zoning or building codes. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026 He was appointed by Commissioner Richard Lara to serve on the city’s charter review committee and recently resigned from the city’s planning and zoning board to run for office. — Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026 Backyard landscaping choices also need to clear HOA, landlord or local zoning rules, especially for permanent structures, electrical work and water features. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026 The project requires a zoning change and needs to be approved by the Chicago Planning Commission. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zoning

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zoning was in 1912

Rhymes for zoning

See All Rhymes for zoning

Browse Nearby Words

zoniferous
zoning
zonite
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Cite this Entry

“Zoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoning. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Legal Definition

zoning

noun
zon·​ing
: municipal or county regulation of land use effected through the creation and enforcement of zones under local law
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