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
ˈzō-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce zonal (audio)
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 answer likely lies in Switzerland’s zonal marking system. — Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026 Rivian’s zonal electrical architecture, initially validated in the Gen 2 R1, sees further enhancements in the R2, lowering both the number of control units and wiring complexity across the smaller framework. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2026 In 2026, complexity is old and busted, and simplified zonal systems are the new hotness. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zonal

Word History

Etymology

zone entry 1 + -al entry 1

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of zonal was in 1867

Phrases Containing zonal

Rhymes for zonal

See All Rhymes for zonal

Browse Nearby Words

zon-
zonal
zonal equation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zonal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zonal. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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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
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