zoning
UK: ˈzəʊnɪŋ | US: ˈzoʊnɪŋ
n. the process of dividing land into zones for specific uses (e.g., residential, commercial)
n. the result of such division; a designated area with regulated purposes
The word zoning derives from zone, which traces back to the Greek zōnē (a belt or girdle), metaphorically extended to mean a demarcated area. The suffix -ing turns the noun into a gerund or resultative noun, reflecting the action or outcome of dividing land into functional sections. Urban zoning emerged in the early 20th century as cities formalized land-use regulations, borrowing the concept of bounded areas from the original Greek imagery of a "belt" encircling distinct spaces.
The city council approved new zoning laws to protect green spaces.
Industrial zoning prevents factories from being built near residential neighborhoods.
Critics argue that strict zoning limits affordable housing development.
The map color-codes the zoning districts for clarity.
Agricultural zoning preserves farmland from urban sprawl.