subdivision

noun

sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˈsəb-də-ˌvi-zhən 

1

: an act or instance of subdividing

2

: something produced by subdividing: such as

a

: a subordinate part of a larger whole

political subdivisions

b

: a tract of land surveyed and divided into lots for purposes of sale

especially : one with houses built on it

3

: a category in botanical classification ranking below a division and above a class

Examples of subdivision in a Sentence

a political subdivision of the state

Recent Examples on the Web

Crews start with primary streets, which are exterior major roads and main drives in subdivisions, then move to secondary streets, which are smaller streets in subdivisions and lastly alternative roadways, such as cul-de-sacs, are cleared. —Jake Allen, IndyStar, 26 Jan. 2026

Plans for the subdivision include pickleball courts, a dog park and a series of public trails and pathways, including one for horseback riding, Yorgason said. —Rose Evans january 24, Idaho Statesman, 24 Jan. 2026

The development would sit on 23 acres of unincorporated property north of Renaux Manor subdivision, part of a larger farmland property called the Heisley Property, according to city documents. —Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

According to the city’s ordinances, streets in subdivisions have to be extended for other subdivision development. —Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for subdivision

• cablevision
• circumcision
• imprecision
• indecision
• supervision
• television
• abscission
• collision
• decision
• derision
• division
• elision

Kids Definition

subdivision

noun

sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˌsəb-də-ˈvizh-ən 

1

: the act or process of subdividing

2

: one of the parts into which something is subdivided

Medical Definition

subdivision

noun

sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˈsəb-də-ˌvi-zhən 

: a category in botanical classification ranking below a division and above a class

Legal Definition

subdivision

noun

sub·​di·​vi·​sion ˈsəb-də-ˌvi-zhən 

1

: an act or instance of subdividing

obtain approval of his subdivision of the land

2

: a tract of land subdivided into lots

to provide streets and sewers for the subdivision

3

: a part made by subdividing

as prescribed in subdivision one of this section