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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
While willingness to accept election results is bipartisan, concerns about the electoral process are more divided. Allison De Jong, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2024 Whether the priorities could pass, especially in a divided Congress, remains to be seen. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2024 While some Democrats have proposed legislation that would create a federal backstop for these failing insurance markets — with the goal of ensuring that coverage remains available for most homeowners — these proposals have yet to make much headway in a divided Congress. Vox Staff, Vox, 24 Oct. 2024 Fortunately, there are indications that college students are actively engaging in the political process, seem less politically divided, and can use social media in productive ways. Eric Wood, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near divided

Cite this Entry

“Divided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divided. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!