Definition of CLEFT (original) (raw)
1
: a space or opening made by or as if by splitting : fissure
2
: a usually V-shaped indented formation : a hollow between ridges or protuberances
the anal cleft of the human body
: partially split or divided
specifically : divided about halfway to the midrib
Synonyms
Examples of cleft in a Sentence
Noun
The river begins as a trickle of water from a cleft in the rock. He has a distinctive cleft in his chin.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
This bacteria is commonly carried in the nostrils, between the legs, in the armpits, and in the cleft between the buttocks. —
Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024 And a deep cleft, like something left by a hatchet, above the bridge of my nose. —Forrest Gander, The New York Review of Books, 12 Sep. 2024
When spaces are left between the arches, certain branchial anomalies like branchial cleft cysts can develop. —Ani Freedman, Fortune Well, 16 Oct. 2024 Primary’s Johns said such critiques ignore the psychosocial issues children with cleft deal with. —Megan Rose, ProPublica, 6 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cleft 
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Middle English clift, from Old English geclyft; akin to Old English clēofan to cleave
Adjective
Middle English, from past participle of cleven
First Known Use
Noun
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Adjective
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of cleft was in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near cleft
Cite this Entry
“Cleft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleft. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
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Last Updated: 7 Oct 2024 - Updated example sentences
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