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

To make something cool involves an uncool process of zoning permits, building codes, and cash withdrawals. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 10 Aug. 2026

The committee oversees land use and zoning matters, including those that involve the city’s tree ordinance. — Drew Kann, AJC.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Other zoning options in Olathe don’t allow commercial and residential spaces to mix. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 8 Aug. 2026

The current zoning for data centers in Aurora allows them to be built next to homes and schools. — Michael Abeyta, CBS News, 8 Aug. 2026

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