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

When wind or solar energy projects apply for permits at county councils and zoning commissions across the United States, supporters and foes often pack the rooms to testify for or against. —Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 21 Feb. 2026

The bill addresses long permitting processes, zoning restrictions, and minimum parking requirements. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026

The anti-data center group is currently working on a petition to present to the Independence City Council, urging them to hold a public vote before issuing approval for the data center’s final zoning plan. —Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026

The County Commission was previously set to vote on the proposal in a zoning hearing last month, but the vote was postponed because proper notice had not been given for the meeting. —Catherine Odom february 19, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 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