zoning

1 of 2

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

zoning

2 of 2

present participle of zone entry 2

Examples of zoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In North Carolina, where the G20 meeting in Chapel Hill took place, dozens of local governments have adopted moratoriums or tighter zoning rules as data center proposals spread across the state. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2026

The clash highlights California’s patchwork gun-zoning laws and Goleta’s history of mass shootings. — Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

On Wednesday, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission unanimously approved an update to a city zoning regulation to allow retail stores to offer readings by fortune tellers and psychics. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026

The City Plan Commission advanced a zoning plan Wednesday that would allow for the project. — Chris Higgins, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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