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

Jodie said their subdivision of about 250 houses and several cul-de-sacs draws more than 1,000 trick-or-treaters, and most neighbors embrace their presence, handing out candy from the driveway instead of constantly opening and closing the front door. —Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY, 12 Oct. 2024

The purchasing developer intended to create the new subdivision, which required village approval. —Daniel I. Dorfman, Chicago Tribune, 12 Sep. 2024

In September, after her event with Elizabeth Warren, Friel Otten headed to the nearby subdivision, determined to reach the twenty-one potential voters on her list. —Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2024

Set on nearly 20 acres, the $18.9 million property is currently pending subdivision to accommodate a total of eight parcels of two or more acres apiece. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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