cleat

1 of 2

noun

ˈklēt 

1

a

: a wedge-shaped piece fastened to or projecting from something and serving as a support or check

b

: a wooden or metal fitting usually with two projecting horns around which a rope may be made fast

2

a

: a strip fastened across something to give strength or hold in position

b(1)

: a projecting piece (as on the bottom of a shoe) that furnishes a grip

(2)

cleats plural : shoes equipped with cleats

cleat

2 of 2

verb

cleated; cleating; cleats

transitive verb

1

: to secure to or by a cleat

2

: to provide with a cleat

Examples of cleat in a Sentence

Noun

a football player wearing cleats

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Screw through the bottom of the cleat into the bottom side of the tabletop so as not to disturb the finish on the top. —Maria V. Charbonneaux, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Dec. 2024

But unlike Lambeau Field’s grass that sent 49ers scurrying to change cleats and spikes, Buffalo offers a synthetic turf, and McCaffrey said that requires less footwear concerns. —Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2024

Jordan Brand continues to make baseball cleats which are popular amongst the pros. —Jaden Thompson For Footwear News, Robb Report, 27 Nov. 2024

Over the next two weeks, players will be permitted to break outside their traditional team colors for their game day footwear, and Baltimore Ravens star safety Kyle Hamilton unveiled his cleats ahead of a matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday. —Scott Thompson, Fox News, 26 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English clete wedge, from Old English *clēat; akin to Middle High German klōz lump — more at clout

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1794, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

cleat

noun

ˈklēt

1

: a wooden or metal device around which a rope may be made fast

2

: a strip or projection fastened on or across something (as a shoe) to give strength or a place to hold or to prevent slipping