subdivide

verb

sub·​di·​vide ˌsəb-də-ˈvīd 

ˈsəb-də-ˌvīd

subdivided; subdividing; subdivides

transitive verb

1

: to divide the parts of into more parts

2

: to divide into several parts

especially : to divide (a tract of land) into building lots

intransitive verb

: to separate or become separated into subdivisions

subdividable

ˌsəb-də-ˈvī-də-bəl 

ˈsəb-də-ˌvī-

adjective

subdivider noun

Examples of subdivide in a Sentence

The house is being subdivided into several apartments.

The people who attend the conference can be subdivided into three distinct groups.

He plans to subdivide his property.

The land will be subdivided into building lots.

Recent Examples on the Web

How to travel with a lot of makeup Kasey Spickard, a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City, says his biggest tip is to subdivide when traveling with a lot of makeup. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 24 Aug. 2026

Hosts cram up to 14 people into units subdivided with unpermitted walls to create extra bedrooms; in fact, there are listings for 4-bedroom units even though no 4-bedroom units existed when the building was constructed in 2004. — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

The main home was razed after a 1925 earthquake, and the estate was later subdivided into 34 parcels. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026

As church membership expanded during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the number of dioceses increased steadily as existing jurisdictions were subdivided to provide more localized episcopal leadership. — Stephanie Triplettall, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin subdividere, from Latin sub- + dividere to divide

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for subdivide

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• bisulphide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide

Kids Definition

subdivide

verb

sub·​di·​vide ˌsəb-də-ˈvīd 

1

: to divide the parts of something into more parts

2

: to divide into several parts

especially : to divide a piece of land into building lots

Legal Definition

subdivide

transitive verb

sub·​di·​vide ˌsəb-də-ˈvīd, ˈsəb-də-ˌ 

: to divide into several parts

specifically : to divide (a tract of land) into two or more lots for sale or building development