cleavage

noun

cleav·​age ˈklē-vij 

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

Synonyms

• bifurcation
• breakup
• dissolution
• disunion
• division
• fractionalization
• fractionation
• partition
• schism
• scission
• separation
• split
• sundering

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

Even now, in this era of naked dresses (red carpets and runways full of small, perky boobs under totally sheer tops), if ever more than two inches of D-cup cleavage runneth over? —Kate Lloyd, Vogue, 31 Mar. 2024

The dress code, which applies to men and women, includes bans on revealing or tight clothes, cleavage, dresses or skirts above the knee, bare backs, halter tops, open-toe shoes and fragrances. —Daniel Bice, Journal Sentinel, 21 Mar. 2024

No fashion detail is spared, including blond wigs and ample cleavage. —Nancy Kruh, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024

One snapshot featured her in a sultry pose, donning a fur coat and sunglasses, revealing a glimpse of cleavage. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024

The ruling Communist Party has long maintained a pervasive censorship system, covering everything from women’s cleavage to criticism of the political system and even jokes. —Heather Chen, CNN, 10 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1816, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing cleavage

• discoidal cleavage
• radial cleavage
• spiral cleavage

Kids Definition

cleavage

noun

cleav·​age ˈklē-vij 

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 

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