What does division mean?
Division refers fundamentally to the act of separating something into parts or sharing it out — whether dividing land, labor, or a cake. From this core sense it extends to describe any split between people or groups: political divisions, divisions within a family, or a growing division between rich and poor. It also names one of the resulting parts themselves, so a company may have a sales division and a book may have a division on economics. In mathematics, division is the arithmetic operation inverse to multiplication, asking how many times one number fits into another, while in biology cell division describes how living cells reproduce. The word carries neutral weight when describing processes but can suggest conflict or estrangement when describing human relationships, as in 'deep divisions' within society. Derived directly from Latin dividere, meaning to force apart, it remains one of English's most versatile nouns for the idea of separation.
The act or process of separating something into parts, or the state of being divided.
"The treaty called for the division of the territory along the river."
Often appears in fixed phrases such as 'division of labour' and 'cell division.'
A disagreement or split between people or groups holding different views or loyalties.
"The election exposed deep divisions within the party."
Usually plural ('divisions') when referring to multiple disagreements across a society.
A distinct section or unit of a larger whole, such as part of an organization, book, or geographic area.
"She was promoted to head of the marketing division last year."
In mathematics, the operation of finding how many times one number contains another.
"Multiplication and division are inverse operations."
Standard plural, used both for multiple acts of dividing and for distinct sections or factions.
"The company operates three international divisions."
Long division hasn't always been long — medieval European mathematicians called earlier methods 'the galley' and 'the scratch,' and some were considered too hard for all but the most learned.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of division
Division comes from Latin divisio, meaning a division or distribution, derived from dividere, 'to divide' or 'to force apart.' It entered Middle English via Old French in the late medieval period, initially carrying senses of separation and apportionment. Its mathematical sense developed alongside the growth of arithmetic instruction in Europe. Cognates sharing the Latin root include divide, dividend, divisor, and individual.
Related word forms
How division is actually used
Division is a formal-to-neutral word common in academic, administrative, mathematical, and political contexts. In mathematics and biology it is technical; in political writing it often carries connotations of discord or polarization (e.g., 'a divided nation'). British English uses 'division of labour'; American English typically spells it 'division of labor' in that phrase.
Easily confused with division
"Devision" is not a standard English word; the correct spelling is "division," from Latin dividere, to divide.
A divider is an instrument or thing that divides, while division is the act, process, or result of dividing.