# zone

/ˈzoʊn/ (US) · /zˈəʊn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/zone
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a designated area

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The city created a pedestrian zone where cars are not allowed to drive.
- The municipal council designated the waterfront as a special economic zone to attract international investment and revitalise the local shipping industry.

### 2. climate or geography

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. mental focus

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. sports defense

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 5. a belt or girdle

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Archaic

a belt or band worn around the waist.

For teachers: 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.

### 6. to divide land

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 7. to daydream

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal · Slang

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- You cannot park your car in this loading zone.
- The city council designated the waterfront as a pedestrian zone to encourage local tourism and reduce pollution.
- The athlete entered a psychological flow state, often described as being in the zone, where her physical execution became effortless and her focus remained entirely undisturbed by the crowd.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.