divides; divided; dividing
1
a
: to separate (something) into two or more parts or pieces
He divided [=split] the loaf in half.
The river divides the town. [=parts of the town are on both sides of the river]
She divided the pie into eight pieces.
The equator divides the Earth into two hemispheres.
The teacher divided the class (up) into four groups. = The teacher divided (up) the class into four groups.
—often used as (be) dividedThe class was divided (up) into four groups.
The book is divided into three sections.
The cells divide rapidly.
The river divides after the bridge.
b
: to separate (something) into classes or categories
We divided (up) the beads according to size and color.
The author divides literature into three categories. [=the author says that there are three categories of literature]
—often used as (be) dividedAnimals can be divided into several major types.
2
a
: to give (something) out in usually equal amounts
They divided [=distributed] the profits between/among themselves.
We divided the work (up) equally.
They divided (up) [=shared] the remaining food.
b
: to use (your time, energy, etc.) for two or more purposes or activities
—usually + between
He divides his energy between sports and school.
Her time is divided between home, work, and school.
3
: to cause (something) to be separate or apart from something else
A tall fence divides the two yards.
—often + fromHer cubicle is divided from his by a low wall.
A screen divides (off) the dining area from the living room.
4
a
: to separate (people) into groups that disagree
The war divided the nation.
The divorce divided the family.
—often used as (be) dividedThe nation was divided by war. = We were a nation divided by war.
b
: to cause (opinions, views, etc.) to not agree
—usually used as (be) divided
Opinions on the issue are divided. [=people do not agree about the issue]
5
mathematics
: to calculate how many times one number contains another number
Divide 8 by 2.
Eight divided by two is four. [=8 ÷ 2 = 4; ⁸/₂ = 4]
The teacher taught the children how to divide.
Two divides evenly into eight. [=eight can be divided into two an exact number of times with nothing left over]
plural divides
1
chiefly US
: a line of hills or mountains from which rivers drain : a ridge between two rivers : watershed
2
: a separation of people into two or more groups that is caused by different opinions or beliefs or by a disagreement
—usually singular
The argument created a divide within the group.
—usually + among or betweenWe must bridge the divide among races.
the divide between generations
Cite this Entry
“Divide.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/divide. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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