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.
To be sure, the Trump administration may be too divided, distracted, or confrontational to play the winning hand it has been dealt. Ely Ratner, Foreign Affairs, 27 May 2025 These contrasting remarks underscore Trump's complex and divided stance on two of America's most pressing foreign policy challenges. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025 Charting a divided league’s haves and have-nots Ranking the top 25 college football teams: Who’s biggest winner after the spring portal window? The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 22 May 2025 The Street is largely divided on Voya, however: Six of 13 analysts rate it a buy, while consensus price targets call for nearly 17% upside, per LSEG. Darla Mercado, Cfp®, CNBC, 22 May 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 2 Jun. 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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