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

More news: Raiders Reportedly Land QB Geno Smith From Seahawks in Massive Trade Originally after the Jets' decision to move on from Rodgers, many thought the future Hall of Fame quarterback could hang up his cleats and retire. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 8 Mar. 2025

Hurts wore Jordan Brand dark green and Kelly green cleats for the Eagles’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 4 Feb. 2025

The chrome fixtures across the yacht, along with stainless pop-up cleats and beautiful paint, point to its luxe origins. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025

The new cleats also have a wider toe box and lighter cleat plate. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for cleat

• beat
• beet
• bleat
• cheat
• creat
• deet
• eat
• feat
• feet
• fleet
• greet
• heat

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