subdivide

verb

sub·​di·​vide ˌsəb-də-ˈvīd How to pronounce subdivide (audio)
ˈsəb-də-ˌvīd
subdivided; subdividing; subdivides

transitive verb

1
: to divide the parts of into more parts
2
: to divide into several parts
especially : to divide (a tract of land) into building lots

intransitive verb

: to separate or become separated into subdivisions
subdividable
ˌsəb-də-ˈvī-də-bəl How to pronounce subdivide (audio)
ˈsəb-də-ˌvī-
adjective
subdivider noun

Examples of subdivide in a Sentence

The house is being subdivided into several apartments. The people who attend the conference can be subdivided into three distinct groups. He plans to subdivide his property. The land will be subdivided into building lots.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These large partitions are then subdivided into smaller ones, called macros and standard cells. Somdeb Majumdar, IEEE Spectrum, 21 Nov. 2024 Soon after Taylor's death in 1895, his land on both sides of Lake McDonald — predecessor to Lake Austin — was subdivided and sold. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 24 June 2024 Additionally, more than 14 acres may be subdivided and built on. Mary Forgione, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024 In the mid-1920s, after Nelson’s death, the entire Fair Lea compound was sold to a trio of investors who further subdivided the land to add several additional building lots. Mark David, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for subdivide 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin subdividere, from Latin sub- + dividere to divide

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of subdivide was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near subdivide

Cite this Entry

“Subdivide.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/subdivide. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

subdivide

verb
sub·​di·​vide ˌsəb-də-ˈvīd How to pronounce subdivide (audio)
1
: to divide the parts of something into more parts
2
: to divide into several parts
especially : to divide a piece of land into building lots

Legal Definition

subdivide

transitive verb
: to divide into several parts
specifically : to divide (a tract of land) into two or more lots for sale or building development
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!