How to Pronounce Cleft Lip

Say it like this: KLEFT LIP. The first word rhymes with 'left' or 'deft,' and the second word sounds like 'lip' as in your mouth. The stress falls on the first syllable of 'cleft,' so you emphasize that part when you say it.

'Cleft lip' is two words with two syllables total. 'Cleft' is one syllable (KLEFT), and 'lip' is one syllable (LIP). When you say them together, it sounds smooth and natural.

Some people accidentally say 'LEFT lip' (rhyming with 'theft'), but the correct way is KLEFT lip with a K sound at the beginning. The 'cl' blend at the start is important to get right.

'Cleft' simply means a split, opening, or gap in something. You might hear it used in other contexts too, like 'cleft in a rock.' In this medical term, it describes an opening in the lip.

'Cleft' comes from Old English and is the past tense of the word 'cleave,' which means to split or divide. It has been used in English for hundreds of years to describe any kind of opening or crack.

Yes! The most common related term is 'cleft palate,' which uses the same word 'cleft' but refers to an opening in the roof of the mouth instead of the lip. You might also hear 'cleft chin,' which is different and refers to a dimple-like indent.

You might say: 'The doctor explained that cleft lip is a condition that some babies are born with.' This sentence uses the term correctly in a clear, everyday way.

Medical professionals sometimes write 'CL' as a short form for cleft lip, and you might also see 'CLP' when referring to both cleft lip and cleft palate together. However, the full term 'cleft lip' is most commonly used in conversation.