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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- cleaves
- Third person singular
- cleaves
- Past tense
- cleft, clove, cleaved, clave, cloven
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for cleave
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.
