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

The 44-unit subdivision features higher-density housing with houses closer together than traditional single-family homes and has shared community spaces, including a walking trail and community garden. —Randy Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 9 Nov. 2025

Apartments and condos, starter homes, elegant estates, and numerous subdivisions give an array of housing options. —Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025

Much of the new housing in Yuba County has been developed south of Marysville and Olivehurst, with areas such as Plumas Lake continuing to add subdivisions, and active construction sites visible from parts of Highway 70, an artery connecting the county to Sacramento. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025

This article has been updated to correct the caption on the photo of the gate controlling access to the Woodbridge Ranches subdivision in Davie, Florida. —Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 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