cleavers

[ klee-verz ]

noun

, plural cleav·ers.

1. a North American plant, Galium aparine, of the madder family, having short, hooked bristles on the stems and leaves and bearing very small white flowers.
2. any of certain related species.

cleavers

/ ˈkliːvəz /

noun

1. functioning as singular a Eurasian rubiaceous plant, Galium aparine, having small white flowers and prickly stems and fruits Also calledgoosegrasshairifsticky willie

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleavers¹

before 1000; Middle English clivre, Old English clife burdock ( -re probably by association with Middle English clivres (plural) claws, or with the agent noun from cleven to cleave ¹, whence the modern spelling)

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleavers¹

Old English clīfe; related to clīfan to cleave ²

Example Sentences

A local butcher had become a Hartlepool hero for staying in his shop as the mob attempted to smash his windows, protecting his meat knives and cleavers from falling into the wrong hands.

From BBC

Newsday reported that during separate arraignments in Suffolk County District Court on Wednesday, Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder said authorities have significant evidence against the four, including meat cleavers, butcher knives, blood and video surveillance.

From Seattle Times

Cleavers thumped in the background as I got up to put in my usual order: an al pastor burrito and an horchata.

From Los Angeles Times

The towering frontcourt duo, better known as the Beef Brothers, recently launched a podcast and YouTube channel to share stories and videos from their NBA careers, including the time they donned butcher’s coats and wielded cleavers for a photo shoot in a D.C. meat locker.

From Washington Post

Her mother, Ann, gave her honeysuckle flowers to suck on hot days and often added pineapple weed to lemonade or cleavers and violets to tea.

From Washington Post