zoning

noun

zon·​ing ˈzō-niŋ 

: 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

Examples of zoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After five years of planning work, zoning disputes and legal challenges, Interfaith Sanctuary’s new shelter on State Street is ready for guests to move in, the organization announced Friday. —Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026

That would be a jolt for virtually all rural communities, where 1- and 2-acre zoning is common and housing density is discouraged. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2026

And in Massachusetts, voters will decide by referendum whether to override town zoning rules and allow small-lot houses across the state. —Salim Furth, Boston Herald, 28 Feb. 2026

City planners found the project consistent with Hollywood’s zoning and land-use regulations and recommended approval. —Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zoning

• boning
• cloning
• coning
• droning
• groaning
• honing
• loaning
• moaning
• owning
• phoning
• stoning
• toning

Legal Definition

zoning

noun

zon·​ing

: municipal or county regulation of land use effected through the creation and enforcement of zones under local law