zonal

adjective

zon·​al ˈzō-nᵊl How to pronounce zonal (audio)
1
: of, relating to, affecting, or having the form of a zone
a zonal boundary
2
: of, relating to, or being a soil or a major soil group marked by well-developed characteristics that are determined primarily by the action of climate and organisms (such as vegetation) compare azonal, intrazonal
zonally adverb

Examples of zonal in a Sentence

We installed a zonal heating system in the house.
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 open-plan arrangement unites the living area and the kitchen, plus a separate 10-place dining area beyond, while preserving the zonal purposes of each. Nielsen Dinwoodie, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025 With Brahim Diaz blocking off a short corner, Mbappe on the edge of the box and five zonal players, the blockers instantly have a problem. Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 Still, Madrid persisted with their five zonal markers (in the white box), leaving Modric, Garcia and Brahim to track the runners. Thom Harris, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 Unlike traditional zonal systems — where players are tasked with keeping a specific defensive shape — or a more straightforward man-to-man approach, Iraola demands that his players make decisions and take risks in the press. Thom Harris, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for zonal

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of zonal was in 1867

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Cite this Entry

“Zonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zonal. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

zonal

adjective
zon·​al ˈzōn-ᵊl How to pronounce zonal (audio)
: of, relating to, or having the form of a zone
a zonal boundary

Medical Definition

zonal

adjective
zon·​al ˈzōn-ᵊl How to pronounce zonal (audio)
: of, relating to, affecting, or having the form of a zone
a zonal boundary
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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