zonal

adjective

zon·​al ˈzō-nᵊl 

1

: of, relating to, affecting, or having the form of a zone

a zonal boundary

2

: of, relating to, or being a soil or a major soil group marked by well-developed characteristics that are determined primarily by the action of climate and organisms (such as vegetation) compare azonal, intrazonal

zonally

ˈzō-nᵊl-ē 

adverb

Examples of zonal in a Sentence

We installed a zonal heating system in the house.

Recent Examples on the Web

Perhaps the more plausible explanation is that, with man-to-man marking becoming so pervasive in England’s top flight, the players are unaccustomed to breaking down a zonal block. —Jon MacKenzie, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026

In 2026, complexity is old and busted, and simplified zonal systems are the new hotness. —Byron Hurd, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026

Instead of having dozens of discrete electronic control units, each with a single job, the EV will use a zonal architecture with five powerful computers, with one overseeing each zone. —Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 17 Feb. 2026

The warming slows the zonal winds — the fast, circular winds that normally rotate around the polar vortex. —Brandi D. Addison, Freep.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

zone entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing zonal

• inter-zonal

Rhymes for zonal

• clonal
• sonal
• tonal
• atonal
• coronal
• hormonal
• umbonal
• veronal
• monoclonal
• polyclonal

Kids Definition

zonal

adjective

zon·​al ˈzōn-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, or having the form of a zone

a zonal boundary

Medical Definition

zonal

adjective

zon·​al ˈzōn-ᵊl 

: of, relating to, affecting, or having the form of a zone

a zonal boundary