zoning

noun

zon·​ing ˈzō-niŋ How to pronounce zoning (audio)
: the act or process of partitioning a city, town, or borough into zones reserved for different purposes (such as residence or business)
also : the set of ordinances by which such zones are established and regulated
voted to change the town's zoning
zoning laws

Examples of zoning in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The remainder include a mixture of light industrial and single-family, two-family and multifamily residential zoning. Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2025 Wernick, the Miami zoning attorney, said banks are often loath to lend to unfamiliar types of projects. Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2025 For example, the city could reform its zoning code, which is one of the most stringent, with two-thirds of its residential land being zoned for single-family only. Zoe Tishaev, Orange County Register, 27 Feb. 2025 The city provides planning, zoning and permitting services. Letters To The Editor, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zoning

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zoning was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zoning. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Legal Definition

zoning

noun
zon·​ing
: municipal or county regulation of land use effected through the creation and enforcement of zones under local law

More from Merriam-Webster on zoning

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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