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

Hamilton wore the cleats during the team’s Week 13 game against Philadelphia. —Dj Siddiqi, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

The cleats will feature a red base with the same color-shifting effect featured in the uniforms. —C.j. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 9 Nov. 2024

Puma’s Avanti sneakers, a silhouette inspired by soccer cleats, were first introduced by the brand in 2001. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024

The legendary athlete helped the team win two Olympic gold medals and a FIFA World Cup title before she was forced to hang up her cleats. —Samantha Stutsman, Peoplemag, 4 Sep. 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