cleft lip: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Medical, Formal, Sensitive/Neutral in personal contexts
Quick answer
What does “cleft lip” mean?
A congenital facial difference where the upper lip is split or divided, often extending into the nose.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A congenital facial difference where the upper lip is split or divided, often extending into the nose.
A birth condition resulting from incomplete fusion of facial tissues during embryonic development, often occurring with a cleft palate. It is a common craniofacial anomaly.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'cleft lip'. Minor potential differences in phrasing, e.g., 'born with a cleft lip' (common in both) vs. 'has a cleft lip'.
Connotations
Neutral and medical in both varieties. The older term 'harelip' is considered offensive and archaic in both, but may be encountered in historical texts.
Frequency
Equal frequency in medical and related discourse. Very low frequency in general everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “cleft lip” in a Sentence
[Subject] has/was born with a cleft lip.Surgeons repaired/corrected the cleft lip.The cleft lip was repaired surgically.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cleft lip” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The charity focuses on cleft-lip care in developing nations.
- They attended a specialist cleft-lip clinic.
American English
- The foundation funds cleft lip surgery worldwide.
- He is a leading cleft lip and palate researcher.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in medical, genetics, paediatric, surgical, and public health literature. Precise anatomical description is key.
Everyday
Used sensitively in personal, family, or health discussions. Often part of a narrative (e.g., 'My nephew had surgery for his cleft lip').
Technical
The primary domain. Used with precise modifiers (complete/incomplete, unilateral/bilateral, right/left) and in conjunction with 'cleft palate'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cleft lip”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cleft lip”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cleft lip”
- Pronouncing 'cleft' as /kliːft/ (like 'leaf') instead of /kleft/.
- Using the offensive/archaic term 'harelip'.
- Treating it as a verb or adjective outside of compound nouns (e.g., 'He is cleft-lipped' is possible but very formal/clinical; 'has a cleft lip' is more natural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are related but different conditions. A cleft lip is a split in the upper lip, while a cleft palate is a split in the roof of the mouth. They can occur separately or together.
No. 'Harelip' is an outdated and offensive term derived from a resemblance to a rabbit's lip. 'Cleft lip' is the correct, respectful, and medical term.
Yes, almost always. Surgery (called cheiloplasty) is typically performed in infancy to repair the lip, and further surgeries or therapies (e.g., speech, dental) may be needed, especially if a cleft palate is also present.
It is a congenital condition, meaning present at birth. The exact cause is often unknown but involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors affecting facial development in early pregnancy.
A congenital facial difference where the upper lip is split or divided, often extending into the nose.
Cleft lip is usually technical, medical, formal, sensitive/neutral in personal contexts in register.
Cleft lip: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkleft ˈlɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkleft ˈlɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'cleft' as related to 'cleave' (to split). A 'cleft lip' is a lip that has a split.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOT APPLICABLE - This is a specific medical term, not typically used metaphorically.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the modern, preferred term for the congenital split in the upper lip?