cleaver

noun

cleav·​er ˈklē-vər How to pronounce cleaver (audio)
Synonyms of cleavernext
1
: one that cleaves
especially : a butcher's implement for cutting animal carcasses into joints or pieces
2
: a prehistoric stone tool having a sharp edge at one end

Examples of cleaver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No need to bust out the cleaver. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Jan. 2026 Critics say the law attempts to do this carving with a cleaver. — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 2026 Lester stabbed Nicky, who then died after falling on his own cleaver. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 16 June 2026 Think of ordinary tongs as a cleaver, and a Stando as a scalpel. — Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cleaver

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cleaver was in the 15th century

Rhymes for cleaver

See All Rhymes for cleaver

Browse Nearby Words

cleavelandite
cleaver
cleavers
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Cite this Entry

“Cleaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleaver. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cleaver

noun
cleav·​er ˈklē-vər How to pronounce cleaver (audio)
: a heavy knife with a wide blade

More from Merriam-Webster on cleaver

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for cleaver

Nglish: Translation of cleaver for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cleaver

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