cleaver

[ klee-ver ]

noun

1. a heavy, broad-bladed knife or long-bladed hatchet, especially one used by butchers for cutting meat into joints or pieces.
2. a person or thing that cleaves. cleave.

cleaver

/ ˈkliːvə /

noun

1. a heavy knife or long-bladed hatchet, esp one used by butchers

cleaver

/ klē′vər /

1. A bifacial stone tool flaked to produce a straight, sharp, relatively wide edge at one end. Cleavers are early core tools associated primarily with the Acheulian tool culture.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cleaver¹

First recorded in 1325–75, cleaver is from the Middle English word clevere. See cleave ², -er ¹

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

A dad said he was convinced he was going to die after his father-in-law hit him on the back of the head with a meat cleaver while he was eating his dinner.

From BBC

In 2003, Theophilou had caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to Mr Breed's house and car with a meat cleaver.

From BBC

Instead of crossed swords, a butcher’s knife, a cleaver and a honing steel cross behind a crest with paintings of a wheel of cheese, a lobster, a bottle of wine, a head of cattle.

From Seattle Times

“Her weapon of choice is a voice with the cutting edge of a meat cleaver.”

From New York Times