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

While still negotiating with his insurers, Elkins submitted plans to create a small subdivision on the Palawoo property, along with rebuilding his own home and rentals. —Cheri Mossburg, CNN Money, 26 Nov. 2025

The program announced its move up to FBS, the NCAA‘s top subdivision, in 2011 and has struggled ever since. —Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 25 Nov. 2025

But he was also known for barring Black homebuyers from buying in white subdivisions through deed restrictions. —Charlotte Observer, 25 Nov. 2025

The Yosemite Greens subdivision was covered in inches of water with cars submerged. —Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 18 Nov. 2025

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