English Reference
noun

division

n.
US /dɪˈvɪʒən/ UK /dɪvˈɪʒən/ di·vi·sion UK spelling division's, division's

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    the act of separating something into two or more parts.

    the act or process of partitioning a whole into constituent parts.

    Simple

    The division of the huge cake into small slices took a long time.

    In context

    The rapid division of cells is a fundamental process in the growth of all living organisms.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary Math

    the process of finding out how many times one number fits into another.

    the mathematical operation of determining how many times one quantity is contained within another.

    Simple

    The teacher showed the children how to do long division on the blackboard.

    In context

    Advanced calculus often requires a firm grasp of basic arithmetic operations, including long division and multiplication.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a large section or department of a big company.

    a major administrative or operational unit within a large business or governmental organization.

    Simple

    She works in the sales division of a multinational software company.

    In context

    The corporation decided to spin off its overseas division into an independent entity to improve financial transparency.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a situation where people disagree strongly about something.

    a significant difference of opinion or a lack of agreement between groups, often leading to conflict.

    Simple

    There is a deep division in the town about the new road project.

    In context

    The proposed policy created a sharp division within the cabinet, with several ministers threatening to resign in protest.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate military

    a large group of soldiers that forms part of an army.

    a large military unit, typically consisting of between 10,000 and 20,000 soldiers, commanded by a major general.

    Simple

    The armored division moved toward the border during the night.

    In context

    The general ordered the infantry division to hold the ridge until reinforcements could arrive from the north.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate Sport

    a group of teams that play against each other in a league.

    a group of teams or athletes competing at a similar level within a professional sports league.

    Simple

    Our local team was promoted to the first division after a great season.

    In context

    The club struggled to remain competitive after being promoted to the top division, eventually facing relegation the following year.

  7. 07 C2 Proficiency Technical botany

    a way to group plants or fungi that are similar.

    a taxonomic rank in botany and mycology, equivalent to phylum in zoology, used to group related classes.

    Simple

    In biology class, we learned that conifers belong to a specific division of plants.

    In context

    The researcher identified a new species that did not fit into any existing division of the fungal kingdom.

    phylumtaxon
  8. 08 C1 Advanced FormalBritish English government

    a way of voting in parliament where people walk into different rooms to show their choice.

    a formal method of voting in a legislative body where members physically separate into groups to be counted.

    Simple

    The speaker of the house called for a division to settle the close vote.

    In context

    When the voice vote proved inconclusive, the opposition demanded a formal division to record each member's stance on the bill.

The teenager won’t even remember the last time Racing were in the first division: he was five.

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026

Emersonn comes in in the for decent money from French side Toulouse, can he keep Ipswich in the division?

The Guardian· 17 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated