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

The launch, which dropped on Tuesday morning, consists of two special-edition releases of the brand’s most iconic styles: the Gazelle, a personal Bad Bunny favorite, and the F50 cleat, worn by Messi on the field for decades. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 22 Oct. 2024

In 2016, as a member of the Houston Texans, the All-Pro wideout wore pink Adidas cleats to raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. —Nasha Smith, People.com, 20 Oct. 2024

Tom Brady's been relishing in retirement since hanging up his cleats for a second and final time in February 2023, a lifestyle change his former teammate Rob Gronkowski has said is for the better. —Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 5 Sep. 2024

Advertisement Crenshaw’s only score came on an 18-yard field goal off the cleat of senior kicker Heinz Lezema. —Benjamin Royer, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 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