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
Protocols against short skirts, bare legs, and cleavage are still intact, but their enforcement was stricter in Diana’s day.
—
Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 1 July 2024
The other photos were of my husband’s buxom cousin in her revealing cleavage.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 29 June 2024
Higher coverage: While cleavage is up to your comfort level, your cups shouldn’t spill over the neckline.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, WWD, 24 June 2024
Now, all nations exploit the cleavages that exist in their environment.
—Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cleavage 
Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 1 July 2024
The other photos were of my husband’s buxom cousin in her revealing cleavage.
—Amy Dickinson, Washington Post, 29 June 2024
Higher coverage: While cleavage is up to your comfort level, your cups shouldn’t spill over the neckline.
—Gabrielle Porcaro, WWD, 24 June 2024
Now, all nations exploit the cleavages that exist in their environment.
—Foreign Affairs, 4 Mar. 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 15 Jul. 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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