cleat

play

noun \ ˈklēt \

Definition of cleat

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

See cleat defined for English-language learners

See cleat defined for kids

Examples of cleat in a Sentence

a football player wearing cleats

Recent Examples of cleat from the Web

After taking a handoff from Drew Brees on an end around, Ginn sprinted to the left side of the formation, juked Jadeveon Clowney out of his cleats, then reversed field and outran the defense en route to a 24-yard gain.

— jeff duncan, NOLA.com, "10 things we learned from the Saints' 13-0 win against the Texans," 27 Aug. 2017
Know the foe: The last time Jim Harbaugh and Jim McElwain tangled on a football field, the Jim with the khakis and cleats beat the other Jim into submission.

— nick baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan football 2017 season opener: Meet the Florida Gators," 27 Aug. 2017
His cleats feel like puddles, sweat pooling into the soles.

— ryan wood, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Mike Daniels backs up bravado with tireless work ethic," 25 Aug. 2017
Plank is wearing black high-top cleats with the Nike swoosh in the picture.

— jeff barker, baltimoresun.com, "What the Terps football media guides said about Kevin Plank as a player," 25 Aug. 2017
Houston Astros starter Collin McHugh posted on social media, along with a photo of cleats featuring a blend of unexpected colors.

— james wagner, New York Times, "Baseball Loosens Rules and Opens Door to a Vibrant Weekend," 25 Aug. 2017
Green Bay Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix had the names of four Florida law-enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty on his cleats for Saturday night's NFL preseason game against the Washington Redskins.

— mark inabinett, AL.com, "Alabama NFL roundup: Amari Cooper looks ready in 2017 debut," 21 Aug. 2017
Two-way lineman Niti Liu (6-foot-3, 315 pounds) follows in the cleat marks of cousins.

— joe davidson, sacbee, "Why Grant High, a football power for decades, might be losing some luster," 8 Aug. 2017
Volesky attempted to control a ball at head-level using his feet, and the studs of his cleats caught Louisville City's Sean Reynolds in the head, leading to a straight red card.

— daniel karell, The Courier-Journal, "Louisville City FC overcomes early deficit, routs Saint Louis to win Kings Cup," 22 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cleat.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cleat

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

cleat

verb

Definition of cleat

transitive verb

1 :to secure to or by a cleat

2 :to provide with a cleat

Recent Examples of cleat from the Web

His pregame ritual was putting white Kiwi shoe polish on his Converse All-Star cleats.

— joe davidson, sacbee, "‘King Kong sleeping’ on UC Davis’ campus? New coach Hawkins sees ‘limitless’ potential," 30 Aug. 2017
Diggs will play in Seattle, so the amazing designers at Mache Custom Kicks made him cleats that really do look like a cup of Joe from the chain that started in the Emerald City: Wow.

— charles curtis, USA TODAY, "Stefon Diggs will wear Starbucks-themed cleats," 18 Aug. 2017
Midfielder Antonio Nocerino, who also was ejected in that game for cleating Chicago’s Matt Polster in the back during a challenge, will serve a one-game suspension and pay the $250 fine issued for getting a red card.

— alicia delgallo, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Scrappy Orlando City midfielder Cristian Higuita says daughter is ‘exactly like me'," 9 June 2017
Coach Adrian Heath said Alvbage will have stitches removed soon from his left knee after being cleated and carted off in the final minutes of the 6-1 loss to Atlanta on March 12.

— andy greder, Twin Cities, "United goalie John Alvbage improving but playing Saturday is a ‘bit early’," 21 Mar. 2017
Their hard, cleat-like claws also give them traction while running.

— National Geographic, "World's Fastest Cheetah Dies—Watch Her Run," 22 Jan. 2016

First Known Use of cleat

1794

CLEAT Defined for English Language Learners

cleat

play

noun

Definition of cleat for English Language Learners

: a metal or wooden object that is attached to something (such as a boat or dock) and around which a rope can be tied
: a piece of rubber, wood, or metal that is fastened to the bottom of a shoe or boot to prevent slipping
cleats : shoes that have cleats on them