subdivide

[ suhb-di-vahyd, suhb-di-vahyd ]

verb (used with object)

, sub·di·vid·ed, sub·di·vid·ing.

1. to divide (that which has already been divided) into smaller parts; divide again after a first division.
2. to divide into parts.
3. to divide (a plot, tract of land, etc.) into building lots.

verb (used without object)

, sub·di·vid·ed, sub·di·vid·ing.

1. to become separated into divisions.

subdivide

/ ˌsʌbdɪˈvaɪd; ˈsʌbdɪˌvaɪd /

verb

1. to divide (something) resulting from an earlier division
2. tr to divide (land) into lots for sale

Derived Forms

• ˌsubdiˈvider, noun

Other Words From

• subdi·vida·ble adjective
• subdi·vider noun
• un·subdi·vided adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subdivide¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Late Latin word subdīvīdere. See sub-, divide

Example Sentences

About 340 million years ago, leaves sported veins that branched like a tree, with a main “trunk” subdividing into multiple branches.

From Science Magazine

The history of the Queen of Elysian Heights is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been built in 1895, around the time when the community was first subdivided.

From Los Angeles Times

In that case, Baretto argued that the judge who gave him “possession” of his room indirectly gave him the entire building because it had never been subdivided.

From Seattle Times

The building’s residents, mostly Mexican and Central American immigrants who subdivided units or slept in shifts to save money, couldn’t afford to move.

From Los Angeles Times

Could it be a nation built on bloody violent conquest just can’t stop even after all the territories have been subdivided?

From Salon