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
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.
In the future, this cleavage may inspire new political parties. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025 The dress contained a high neckline that extended into lacy sleeves, while the bust portion of the dress opened up to cutout that allowed Campbell to show a hint of cleavage at the bust. Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 23 June 2025 After all, a multipolar world would have many more cleavages and affinities that India could use to its advantage. Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025 The aftermath of Virginia’s clumsy tumble into a rose bed where her exposed cleavage is profusely pricked by thorns lasts for all of one scene. Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cleavage

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleavage was in 1816

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cleavage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleavage. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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