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
That means observing the dress code of no bare shoulders, excessive cleavage, or shorts or skirts above the knees, and no hats inside.
—
Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2025
In addition to the major cleavage, Olivia’s dress also featured an open back that practically graced her butt too.
—Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 2 Feb. 2025
The other featured a daringly low V neckline that showed more than a hint of cleavage and a thigh-high slit in the center.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Will Beyonce be wearing a Stetson cowboy hat, or will her outfit show some of her assets, body and cleavage?
—Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cleavage 
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Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2025
In addition to the major cleavage, Olivia’s dress also featured an open back that practically graced her butt too.
—Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 2 Feb. 2025
The other featured a daringly low V neckline that showed more than a hint of cleavage and a thigh-high slit in the center.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
Will Beyonce be wearing a Stetson cowboy hat, or will her outfit show some of her assets, body and cleavage?
—Jay Ginsbach, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cleavage
Articles Related to cleavage
Dictionary Entries Near cleavage
Cite this Entry
“Cleavage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleavage. Accessed 12 Feb. 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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