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

However, complications with zoning laws and funding led to a fizzle. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Aug. 2026

There are only a few of these zoning districts within the city, according to city zoning records. — Dennis Valera, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026

Analysts overlay maps with regulatory zones, demographics, zoning rules, competitive footprints, and cost surfaces. — Brian Cross, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Intense pride in their home has resulted in both protective zoning codes and an inbred reluctance to sell. — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 16 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