verb

cleave

KLEEV

Cleave (verb) means to split something apart, typically with a sharp tool or a forceful blow. Example: “The axe cleaved the log neatly in two.”

verb

To split something apart, typically with a sharp tool or a forceful blow.

"The axe cleaved the log neatly in two."

"A bolt of lightning seemed to cleave the sky in half."

To stick closely or stay loyal to something, especially a belief, plan, or person (an older, more formal use).

"She cleaved to her principles even when it cost her friends."

"The old couple had cleaved to each other through decades of hardship."

How to Use Cleave

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCleave has two nearly opposite meanings: to split apart, or to stick firmly together — context tells you which one is meant.

Common mistake

Don't assume "cleave to" means separating from something — it actually means clinging to it.

Common pairings

cleave in two cleave to a belief cleave apart

Word Forms

cleft past tense, clove past tense, cleaved past tense, clave past tense, cloven past tense, cleaved past tense, cleaves plural, Cleaves plural, cleaves singular, cleaves singular

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “cleave” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The axe _____ the log neatly in two.

Etymology

From Old English cleofan, "to split" — confusingly, cleave also came to mean "stick to," from a completely different Old English verb (cleofian) that just happened to end up spelled the same way.

Origin: Old English

Rhymes for cleave

ave save have wave cave nave pave rave fave Dave weave leave

See all rhymes for cleave →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “cleave” mean?

The word “cleave” means to split something apart, typically with a sharp tool or a forceful blow. In plain terms, cleave has two nearly opposite meanings: to split apart, or to stick firmly together — context tells you which one is meant.

How do you pronounce “cleave”?

“Cleave” is pronounced KLEEV (/ˈkliːv/ in IPA).

How do you use “cleave” in a sentence?

Here is “cleave” used in a sentence: “The axe cleaved the log neatly in two.”

What part of speech is “cleave”?

“Cleave” is a verb.

Where does the word “cleave” come from?

The word “cleave” comes from Old English. From Old English cleofan, "to split" — confusingly, cleave also came to mean "stick to," from a completely different Old English verb (cleofian) that just happened to end up spelled the same way.

How many meanings does “cleave” have?

“Cleave” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to split something apart, typically with a sharp tool or a forceful blow.