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
These often reflect deep ethnic and social cleavages, aggravated by external interventions, as well as cruder forms of power struggle.
—
Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
In 2022, the actress took to Instagram in a plunging silver sequined jumpsuit that put her cleavage on display.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
There’s a new way to show cleavage, according to Kat Graham.
—Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2025
But the cleavages in Romanian society and politics will be sharpened in the weeks ahead.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cleavage
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Lawrence D. Freedman, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
In 2022, the actress took to Instagram in a plunging silver sequined jumpsuit that put her cleavage on display.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025
There’s a new way to show cleavage, according to Kat Graham.
—Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 19 Mar. 2025
But the cleavages in Romanian society and politics will be sharpened in the weeks ahead.
—Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cleavage
Cite this Entry
“Cleavage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleavage. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.
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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