zoning

noun

zon·​ing ˈzō-niŋ 

: the act or process of partitioning a city, town, or borough into zones reserved for different purposes (such as residence or business)

also : the set of ordinances by which such zones are established and regulated

voted to change the town's zoning

zoning laws

Examples of zoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At least part of the controversy appears to involve the divide between standard zoning rules, which often tightly regulate business operations, and the state’s and town’s desire to encourage the preservation of agricultural property. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2025

The tome of charts, maps, proclamations and pledges is designed, planning officials say, to guide the gamut of municipal governing decisions, including budgeting, annexation and zoning. —Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Apr. 2025

Attendees will have a chance to learn about the real-world impacts of zoning, why the update matters and how community values can be reflected in local development decisions, the release states. —Nwa Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 17 Apr. 2025

The city’s new zoning rules prohibit new liquor stores, motels and hookah lounges from opening in the corridor and allow up to 5,000 more homes and 2 million square feet of retail and dining space to open. —Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for zoning

• boning
• cloning
• coning
• droning
• groaning
• honing
• loaning
• moaning
• owning
• phoning
• stoning
• toning

Legal Definition

zoning

noun

zon·​ing

: municipal or county regulation of land use effected through the creation and enforcement of zones under local law