zone

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Geography

n. one of the large areas of the world divided by temperature, like the tropical zone.

n. any of the five great divisions of the earth's surface with respect to latitude and temperature.

“Many unique plants grow only in the tropical zone near the equator.”

“The expedition focused on the transition between the temperate and frigid zones, documenting how flora adapted to the increasingly harsh conditions.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Informal

n. a state of mind where you are completely focused and performing your best.

n. a mental state of peak concentration and fluid performance, typically used in the phrase 'in the zone'.

“I was really in the zone during the match and didn't miss a single shot.”

“The pianist appeared to be in the zone, executing the complex concerto with a level of precision that seemed almost effortless to the audience.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Sports

n. a way of defending where players guard an area instead of a specific opponent.

n. a defensive system in which each player is responsible for defending a particular area of the field or court.

“The coach decided to play a zone to stop the other team's fast players.”

“The team struggled to penetrate the opponent's 2-3 zone, repeatedly settling for low-percentage perimeter shots instead of driving to the basket.”

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary · Archaic

n. a belt or band worn around the waist.

n. a belt, girdle, or encircling band.

“The ancient statue was carved with a simple zone around its waist.”

“The poet described the goddess binding her golden zone before descending from the mountain to meet the mortals below.”

C1 · Advanced Law Formal

v. to officially decide what a piece of land can be used for, such as houses or shops.

v. to designate a specific area for a particular type of use through land-use planning or legislative action.

“The land was zoned for residential use, so they couldn't build a factory there.”

“The city planners voted to zone the historic district for mixed-use development, allowing small businesses to operate alongside residential apartments.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal · Slang

v. to stop paying attention and start daydreaming for a short time.

v. to enter a state of detachment or daydreaming, often due to fatigue or boredom; usually followed by 'out'.

“I'm sorry, I zoned out for a minute and didn't hear your question.”

“After four hours of the technical briefing, several members of the audience began to zone out, staring blankly at the complex diagrams on the screen.”