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 office of Porter County prosecutor Gary Germann charged Michael Luke Rone, 18, of Chesterton, with criminal recklessness, stemming from an April 15 incident in the Tamarack subdivision in Chesterton. —Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026

Chacao is one of the main subdivisions of Caracas. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 11 May 2026

The grounds are as manicured as a golf course, and the cabin clusters look like suburban subdivisions. —Jess Hoffert, Midwest Living, 9 May 2026

Yard designed for privacy Backing up to a greenbelt, the backyard is designed to feel private — less like a subdivision and more personal retreat. —David Caraccio may 9, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2026

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