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zone

n. · v.
US //ˈzoʊn// UK //zˈəʊn// zone
  1. 1 a designated area (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    an area that is different from others because of its use, rules, or features.

    a region or area set off as distinct from surrounding parts by some particular characteristic or use.

    Example

    The city created a pedestrian zone where cars are not allowed to drive.

    Example

    The municipal council designated the waterfront as a special economic zone to attract international investment and revitalise the local shipping industry.
  2. 2 climate or geography (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Geography

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The expedition focused on the transition between the temperate and frigid zones, documenting how flora adapted to the increasingly harsh conditions.
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  1. 3 mental focus (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The pianist appeared to be in the zone, executing the complex concerto with a level of precision that seemed almost effortless to the audience.
  2. 4 sports defense (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The team struggled to penetrate the opponent's 2-3 zone, repeatedly settling for low-percentage perimeter shots instead of driving to the basket.
    • man to man
  3. 5 a belt or girdle (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary Archaic

    a belt or band worn around the waist.

    a belt, girdle, or encircling band.

    Example

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

    Example

    The poet described the goddess binding her golden zone before descending from the mountain to meet the mortals below.
  4. 6 to divide land (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The city planners voted to zone the historic district for mixed-use development, allowing small businesses to operate alongside residential apartments.
  5. 7 to daydream (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
Origin

From Latin zōna, from Ancient Greek ζώνη (zṓnē, “girdle, belt”).

Word family
Idioms3 entries

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