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

In the locker room before getting on the bus to Del Valley that Friday, Cabello swapped cleats with the 6-foot-5 Mannon and took his size-17s. —Luca Evans, Orange County Register, 14 June 2024

Known best as the beloved quarterback for the New York Giants who traversed the country via football stadiums, he's traded his cleats for sandals and ski boots — with his family in tow. —Jesse Scott, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2024

Verb

Meanwhile, Katz and his colleagues want to see Soto wear the home opener cleats again. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 6 Apr. 2024

Packable traction cleats Traveler contributor Ashlea Halpern swears by Yaktrax Pro traction cleats for making any shoe better suited for cold, snowy climates—slide them on a sneaker or boot to make walking on snow and ice a breeze. —Madison Flager, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Jan. 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