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

Plan commission member Michael Conquest, who voted against the proposal, previously told the Post Tribune that rezoning for a higher-density subdivision didn’t represent responsible growth and development in that area. —Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026

That’s a subdivision for some stylists; The Wall Group labels them stylist/content creators. —Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026

All the other roads behind the subdivision’s gate are private and maintained by the La Cantera Homeowners Association. —Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Apr. 2026

Especially if there is a crosswalk beyond a stop sign and at blind intersections, often created by subdivision entry monuments, walls and shrubs. —Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subdivision

• cablevision
• circumcision
• imprecision
• indecision
• supervision
• television
• abscission
• collision
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision

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