subdivision
SUHB-dih-vih-zhuhn
Subdivision (noun) means the act of splitting something that is already divided into even smaller parts. Example: “The subdivision of the old estate created dozens of smaller building plots.”
noun
1
The act of splitting something that is already divided into even smaller parts.
"The subdivision of the old estate created dozens of smaller building plots."
2
A residential area of houses built on land that was divided up for development.
"They bought a new-build home in a quiet suburban subdivision."
verb
1
To split something into smaller pieces.
"The developer subdivided the farmland into forty lots."
How to use subdivision
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the act of splitting something into smaller parts, or (in American usage especially) a housing development built on divided land.
Common pairings
residential subdivision
subdivide land
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Word forms
- Plural
- subdivisions
- Third person singular
- subdivisions
- Past tense
- subdivisioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of the old estate created dozens of smaller building plots.
Etymology
From sub- ("further, additionally") plus division.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for subdivision
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for subdivision →
Frequently asked questions
What does “subdivision” mean?
The word “subdivision” means the act of splitting something that is already divided into even smaller parts. In plain terms, either the act of splitting something into smaller parts, or (in American usage especially) a housing development built on divided land.
How do you pronounce “subdivision”?
“Subdivision” is pronounced SUHB-dih-vih-zhuhn (/ˈsʌbdɪvɪʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “subdivision” in a sentence?
Here is “subdivision” used in a sentence: “The subdivision of the old estate created dozens of smaller building plots.”
What part of speech is “subdivision”?
Depending on how it is used, “subdivision” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “subdivision” a common word?
“Subdivision” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “subdivision” have?
“Subdivision” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of splitting something that is already divided into even smaller parts.
What is the difference between a "subdivision" and a "neighborhood"?
A subdivision specifically refers to a residential area created when a larger piece of land is divided into smaller lots for development, while a neighborhood is a broader, less formal term for any area where people live. Most subdivisions form part of a neighborhood, but not every neighborhood is a subdivision.
How is "subdivision" used outside of housing developments?
In general use, subdivision refers to splitting something that has already been divided into even smaller parts, such as subdividing a chapter into sections, and doesn't require any connection to real estate.
Can "subdivision" be used as a verb?
Yes, though the noun form is more common, "subdivision" can function as a verb meaning to split something into smaller pieces, as in subdividing a plot of land.
