Added 9 October 2026
zone
/zoʊn/ noun
In Latin: plaga Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about zone at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- Each of the five regions of the earth's surface into which it was divided by climatic differences, namely the torrid zone (between the tropics), two temperate zones (between the tropics and the polar circles), and two frigid zones (within the polar circles).
- Any given region or area of the world.
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A given area distinguished on the basis of a particular characteristic, use, restriction, etc.
There is a no-smoking zone that extends 25 feet outside of each entrance.
verb
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To divide into or assign to sections or areas.
Please zone off our staging area, a section for each group.
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To define the property use classification of (an area).
This area was zoned for industrial use.
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To enter a daydream state temporarily, for instance as a result of boredom, fatigue, or intoxication; to doze off.
I must have zoned while he was giving us the directions.
Origin
From Latin zōna, from Ancient Greek ζώνη (zṓnē, “girdle, belt”). Doublet of zona.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)