dividers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in technical, educational, and organizational contexts.
Quick answer
What does “dividers” mean?
A tool or object used to separate things into distinct parts or sections.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tool or object used to separate things into distinct parts or sections.
Can refer to physical objects like stationery tools for measuring distances, room partitions, or metaphorical separators in abstract contexts (e.g., social dividers).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use 'dividers' for the measuring tool and room partitions.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in organizational/office contexts (e.g., 'cubicle dividers').
Grammar
How to Use “dividers” in a Sentence
dividers + for + [purpose]dividers + between + [entities]dividers + to + [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dividers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The manager decided to divider the open space into cubicles.
American English
- We need to divider the classroom for the group activity.
adjective
British English
- The divider wall was made of glass.
American English
- They installed a divider screen between the desks.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to partitions in open-plan offices or sections in binders.
Academic
Used in geometry/technical drawing for measuring tools.
Everyday
Common for notebook sections or room partitions.
Technical
Precision measuring tools in engineering/drafting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dividers”
- Using 'divider' as a countable singular for the tool (prefer 'a pair of dividers'). Confusing with 'compasses' (which draw circles).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural noun, typically referring to a tool consisting of two legs. We say 'a pair of dividers'.
Dividers are for measuring or marking distances; compasses have one leg with a pencil for drawing circles.
Yes, metaphorically (e.g., 'cultural dividers'), though 'divisions' or 'barriers' are more common.
No, 'divisors' is a different mathematical term (a number that divides another).
A tool or object used to separate things into distinct parts or sections.
Dividers is usually neutral to formal; common in technical, educational, and organizational contexts. in register.
Dividers: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈvaɪ.dəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈvaɪ.dɚz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “draw a line in the sand (metaphorical divider)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'dividers' dividing a page or a room into parts.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEPARATION IS DIVISION (dividers create physical/metaphorical boundaries).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'dividers' LEAST likely to be used?