English Reference
noun

subdivision

n.
US /ˈsəbdɪˌvɪʒən/ UK /sˌʌbdɪvˈɪʒən/ sub·di·vi·sion UK spelling subdivision's, subdivision's

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    a smaller part of a larger group or section.

    a secondary division of a larger unit or category.

    Simple

    Each chapter of the book has several subdivisions to help organize the information.

    In context

    The biological classification system uses several subdivisions, such as genus and species, to categorize organisms with high precision.

    Usage

    Often used in academic or technical writing to describe hierarchical structures.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    an area of land divided into smaller pieces for building new houses.

    a tract of land partitioned into individual lots for sale or residential development.

    Simple

    They bought a new house in a quiet subdivision outside the city.

    In context

    The local council approved the new subdivision despite concerns from residents about increased traffic on the narrow access roads.

    Usage

    Commonly used in North American and Philippine English to refer to residential neighborhoods.


From sub- + division.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated