Meaning & use
segments
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“segments” is a form of “segment”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
separate parts into which something is divided, especially when the parts are similar in shape or length.
Grammar: This is the plural of 'segment'; use it when there is more than one part. The singular is 'segment'.
Patterns
- segments of something
- divide something into segments
- in segments
The orange was easy to peel because it came apart in neat segments.
The documentary was broadcast in three segments over the evening.
The market is divided into several segments, each with different needs.
verbtransitive
third-person singular form of 'segment': divides something into separate parts.
Grammar: This is the he/she/it form of the verb 'segment'. It takes an object: 'The software segments the data.'
Patterns
- segments something into something
- segments the market
- segments the data
The app segments the audience by age and location.
She segments the training program into short weekly units.
The company segments its customers into three main groups.
Common combinations
- market segments
- The company targets three different market segments.
- line segments
- In geometry class, we measured several line segments.
- in segments
- The interview was published in segments over several days.
- segments of the population
- The report looked at different segments of the population.
Synonyms and how they differ
- parts
- A very general word for pieces of something; 'segments' suggests cleaner, more regular divisions.
- sections
- Similar, but 'sections' often refers to parts of a whole document or object; 'segments' is common for shapes or groups.
- pieces
- This is broader and can mean broken bits; 'segments' usually suggests planned or natural divisions.
Opposites
Word family
- segment noun
- one part of something divided.
- segmentation noun
- the process of dividing something into parts.
- segmental adjective
- relating to segments or divided into segments.
Commonly confused: segments or sections?
segments vs sections
Both mean parts, but 'sections' is more common for parts of a text or building, while 'segments' is often used for geometric shapes or audience groups.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence.
Choose one answer.
With a singular subject like 'the company', the verb takes -s: 'segments'. Option 1 uses the correct form and the pattern 'segments something into something'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “segments”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.