How to Pronounce Cleaver

To pronounce "cleaver", say CLEAV-er — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈklivɚ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

cleaver

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

7

Letters

/ˈklivɚ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “cleaver”

"cleaver" has 2 syllables: cleav-er. It rhymes with lever and receiver, if that helps it stick.

What does cleaver mean?

noun

  1. A squarish, heavy knife used by butchers for hacking through bones, etc.
  2. (Bahamas) A type of clave, or rhythm stick, a concussive musical instrument used in traditional Bahamian music.

Synonyms

axe

Hear “cleaver” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with cleaver

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

leverreceiverbeaverfeverachieverreaverweaverunderachieversievergrieverbelieverreliever

Related words

chopperaxehumeissuesslicerhachereaubreadcutterskinner

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "cleaver"?▾

"Cleaver" has 2 syllables: cleav · er.

What is the IPA transcription of "cleaver"?▾

The IPA transcription of "cleaver" is /ˈklivɚ/.

What does "cleaver" mean?▾

Cleaver: A squarish, heavy knife used by butchers for hacking through bones, etc.

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