subdivision

noun

sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˈsəb-də-ˌvi-zhən How to pronounce subdivision (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The future of Treasure Valley traffic Old farm roads are now filled with cars carrying the residents of new subdivisions. Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 3 Oct. 2025 In September, residents pleaded with Godley city leaders to do something about the dogs, which had been spotted in the Star Ranch and Wildcat Ridge subdivisions. Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Oct. 2025 One such provision was set to eliminate replacements on property taxes for all political subdivisions, a measure that critics say would cut funding to essential public services such as schools and emergency services. Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025 Speaking of which, the big category shake-up this year is the introduction of best traditional country album, which is alternately being seen as a reaction to Beyoncé’s best country album victory last year or simply catching up to similar subdivisions in R&B and other genres. Alan Light, HollywoodReporter, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subdivision

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subdivision was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Subdivision.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdivision. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

subdivision

noun
sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˌsəb-də-ˈvizh-ən How to pronounce subdivision (audio)
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 How to pronounce subdivision (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce subdivision (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on subdivision

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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