The cleave with meanings relating to splitting and dividing comes from a different Old English word, clēofan, meaning “to split.” So although one might assume the two were once cleaved to one another …

CLEAVE definition: 1. to separate or divide, or cause something to separate or divide, often violently: 2. to…. Learn more.

CLEAVE definition: to adhere closely; stick; cling (usually followed byto ). See examples of cleave used in a sentence.

Definition of cleave verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Cleave can refer to being in close contact, to staying really, really close to someone or something: "If you are walking in the pitch-black woods without a flashlight, you want to cleave to the person in front …

to (cause to) split or divide by or as if by a cutting blow: [no object] The wood cleaved in two clean pieces. [~ + object] He cleaved the wood in two neat pieces.

cleave 1 (kliv) v.i. cleaved (Archaic) clave; cleaved; cleav•ing. 1. to adhere closely; cling (usu. fol. by to). 2. to remain faithful: to cleave to one's principles.

Dec 15, 2025 · (technology) Flat, smooth surface produced by cleavage, or any similar surface produced by similar techniques, as in glass. There are very striking scenes on some of the lesser streams at …

To cleave something means to split or divide it into two separate parts, often violently. They just cleave the stone along the cracks. [VERB noun] If someone cleaves to something or to someone else, they …

cleave meaning, definition, what is cleave: to cut something into separate parts usi...: Learn more.