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

Portage has been growing rapidly, with new subdivisions and businesses popping up, especially on the city’s south side. —Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 7 June 2026

The Winding Creek Road compound is a marquee project for Terry Development, known locally for one-off custom projects rather than subdivisions. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026

The single-family subdivision Selected by Jeff Speck Single-family zoning covers more of this country’s livable urban land than any other designation. —Time, 2 June 2026

Newer subdivisions, modern amenities and a mix of public and charter options draw parents looking for suburban-style living without giving up access to the city. —Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 May 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