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.
The women wear stunning fashion numbers, Sebastian’s wife Dineo Price slinking down a staircase in a cleavage revealing skimpy number in its opening minutes. John Hopewell, Variety, 13 Oct. 2025 And while certainly showstopping from the front, especially with its deep, cleavage-baring portrait neckline, the dress was even more attention-grabbing from the back with its open silhouette. Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 Japanese women are unlikely to buy a shirt that shows a lot of cleavage. Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 15 Sep. 2025 Antonio and Stephanie are vibing about an expensive-looking outfit that will show off her cleavage. Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 Sep. 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 17 Oct. 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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