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

Finding a balance between property owners who wish to subdivide and develop their land for their needs and purposes, and existing homeowners who don’t want encroachment or want the surrounding land to remain as-is, is a challenge. —Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 9 July 2024

By the mid-1950s, real estate developers arrived and began subdividing formerly large estates. —Michael T. Bertrand, The Conversation, 5 June 2024

Hall-McGuire’s family had already subdivided their patriarch’s 80 acres. —Michael S. Williamson, Washington Post, 22 June 2024

Within types 2 through 4, the categories are subdivided into A, B, and C (i.e. 2A, 2B, 2C, etc.). —Ashley Ziegler, Parents, 13 June 2024

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

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