1 B1 neutral
To officially designate a specific area for a particular use, especially in urban or land planning
"The city council voted to zone off the waterfront area for commercial development only."
separable
zone off
B1 neutral separable transitive
To officially designate or physically separate an area for a specific purpose
In plain English
To mark off or set apart a special area for one particular use
What does "zone off" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To physically separate or mark off a section of a space for a specific purpose at an event or location
"They zoned off one corner of the warehouse as a break room for the workers."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To create a zone (designated area) that is set off (separated) from others
Actually means
To mark off or set apart a special area for one particular use
Usage tip
Common in planning, architecture, real estate, and event management. Can also be used informally to describe mentally or physically creating a separate space. Not to be confused with 'zone out'.
Words that pair with "zone off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
area district land section space region
How to conjugate "zone off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
zone off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
zones off
he/she/it
Past simple
zoned off
yesterday
Past participle
zoned off
have + pp
-ing form
zoning off
continuous
Hear "zone off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "zone off"
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