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

The order does not seek to change state and local zoning codes, as the administration has sought to preserve suburban housing rather than increase housing density. —Arkansas Online, 14 Mar. 2026

Uniejewski’s campaign to represent parts of the Lincoln Park, Lakeview and Gold Coast neighborhoods centers around housing and zoning reforms. —Jack O'Connor, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

In January, El Portal’s planning and zoning committee deferred a vote on the school proposal, asking the developer to first host a series of public meetings with residents. —Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 14 Mar. 2026

Commissioners batted around ideas for how to restrict the zoning change to make sure the rules couldn’t be transferred if Fifth Gear were to pull up stakes. —Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 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