subdivide

American  

[suhb-di-vahyd, suhb-di-vahyd] / ˌsʌb dɪˈvaɪd, ˈsʌb dɪˌvaɪd /

verb (used with object)

subdivided, subdividing

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.

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verb (used without object)

subdivided, subdividing

1. to become separated into divisions.

subdivide British  

/ ˌsʌbdɪˈvaɪd, ˈsʌbdɪˌvaɪd /

verb

1. to divide (something) resulting from an earlier division

2. (tr) to divide (land) into lots for sale

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Other Word Forms

• subdividable adjective
• subdivider noun
• unsubdivided adjective

Etymology

Origin of subdivide

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

Example Sentences

In modern Britain, all roads lead to London, but one can still find traces of older routes and borders that once subdivided the island.

From The Wall Street Journal

The second category is subdivided into “80% privacy: sliding/slatted doors,” “50% privacy: glass doors with walls,” and “zero privacy: no door, no wall, or wall with window.”

From The Wall Street Journal

In Kenya, much of what was once free range for elephants to roam has been subdivided for housing or farming.

From The Wall Street Journal

“No one has ever subdivided a company town before,” Bullwinkel said, noting that many other company towns that dotted the country in the 19th century “just disappeared, as far as I know.”

From Los Angeles Times

They also claim it’s a resource for fire victims hoping to sell their properties, since land that can be subdivided is more valuable than a single-family lot.

From Los Angeles Times