divided

adjective

di·​vid·​ed də-ˈvī-dəd How to pronounce divided (audio)
1
a
: separated into parts or pieces
b
of a leaf : cut into distinct parts by incisions extending to the base or to the midrib
c
: having a barrier (such as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions
a divided highway
2
a
: disagreeing with each other : disunited
b
: directed or moved toward conflicting interests, states, or objects
divided loyalties
3
: separated by distance
familiar objects from which she had never dreamed of being dividedJames Joyce
dividedly adverb
dividedness noun

Examples of divided in a Sentence

Experts are sharply divided on the issue. The issue has created a deeply divided nation. She feels like she only gets her mother's divided attention.
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.
In a divided and weary world, brands that cultivate emotional trust won’t just survive. Gillian Oakenfull, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 The appointment came after a heated and divided vote late last week by the City Council to oust Ben Martinez, following mounting complaints about low staff morale, poor fiscal management and overall instability at City Hall. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025 The parents appealed to the Supreme Court after a divided panel on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected their bid. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 22 Apr. 2025 But a divided panel of appeals court judges said the parents hadn’t shown that they or their children had been coerced to believe or act contrary to their religious views. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 21 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for divided

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of divided was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Divided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divided. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

divided

adjective
1
a
: separated into parts or pieces
b
: having a barrier (as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions
a divided highway
2
: disagreeing with each other
divided over the issue

Legal Definition

divided

adjective
di·​vid·​ed
1
a
: separated into parts, classes, or portions
divided coverage
divided custody
b
in the civil law of Louisiana : separately owned, possessed, or held : no longer held in indivision
owner of a divided part or of the entire estate following partitionLouisiana Civil Code
granted in divided portions
2
: not united : failing to agree
a divided Court

More from Merriam-Webster on divided

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