cleavage

noun

cleav·​age ˈklē-vij How to pronounce cleavage (audio)
1
a
: the quality of a crystallized substance or rock of splitting along definite planes
also : the occurrence of such splitting
b
: a fragment (as of a diamond) obtained by splitting
2
: the action of cleaving or splitting : the state of being cleft
3
: the series of synchronized mitotic cell divisions of a fertilized egg that results in the formation of the blastomeres and changes the single-celled zygote into a multicellular embryo
also : one of these cell divisions
4
: the splitting of a molecule into simpler molecules
5
: the depression between a woman's breasts especially when made visible by a low-cut neckline

Examples of cleavage in a Sentence

The dress is cut low enough to reveal a lot of cleavage. the cleavage between the rich and poor the cleavages of an egg as an embryo develops
Recent Examples on the Web Think geek-chic glasses, undone button-ups that highlight lots of cleavage, and skintight pencil skirts—basically Gisele Bündchen in The Devil Wears Prada. Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2024 High-impact bras should offer plenty of coverage (think: little to no cleavage showing) and restrict all breast movement during activity. Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, 7 Feb. 2024 The furin cleavage site makes the virus more transmissible and is not found in any other SARS-like coronavirus. Joel Zinberg, National Review, 26 Jan. 2024 The multi-hyphenate star — one of the many celebrities who opted to rock red at the ceremony — dazzled in the vibrant dress, which featured unique details like an asymmetrical hemline, cleavage cutouts adorned and sparkly rosettes. Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 16 Jan. 2024 Like the University of Michigan survey, the New York Fed's report shows deep cleavages on views of the economy depending on demographics. Rob Wile, NBC News, 20 Jan. 2024 Thanks in part to these cleavages, the two states have voted for different winners in every open Republican presidential contest dating back to 1980. Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 22 Jan. 2024 The result was something impish and a little bit kinky: all that male cleavage, out on display. Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2023 Su and her colleagues were able to characterize the RNA into five distinct genetic profiles or time periods of embryonic development: the oocyte or egg, zygote or fertilized egg, cleavage, morula and blastocyst stages. Deborah Balthazar, STAT, 17 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cleavage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleavage was in 1816

Dictionary Entries Near cleavage

Cite this Entry

“Cleavage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleavage. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cleavage

noun
cleav·​age ˈklē-vij How to pronounce cleavage (audio)
1
: the quality of a crystallized substance or rock of splitting in definite directions
2
: the action of cleaving : the state of being cleaved
3
: the series of mitotic cell divisions of a fertilized egg that changes the single cell into a many-celled embryo

Medical Definition

cleavage

noun
cleav·​age ˈklē-vij How to pronounce cleavage (audio)
1
: the series of synchronized mitotic cell divisions of the fertilized egg that results in the formation of the blastomeres and changes the single-celled zygote into a multicellular embryo
also : one of these cell divisions
2
: the splitting of a molecule into simpler molecules

More from Merriam-Webster on cleavage

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