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
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
The fight underscored just how raw the race has become in the run-up to the June 25 primary and how a contest that began over American policy toward Israel has exposed deeper cleavages over race, class and ideology that divide the modern Democratic Party.
—
Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 14 May 2024
The procedures left her with scars down to her cleavage.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for cleavage 
Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 14 May 2024
The procedures left her with scars down to her cleavage.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for cleavage
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Cleavage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleavage. Accessed 31 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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