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

Andrés Iniesta has stayed close to the grass since hanging up his cleats six months ago. —Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

The Steelers would be wise to draft a quarterback instead of continuing to wait on Rodgers, who could hang up his cleats after two difficult years with the Jets. —Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025

And when McAfee asked if retiring is still an option for the four-time NFL MVP, Rodgers said hanging up his cleats is still on the table. —Natasha Dye, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Winter attracts a quarter of the year’s total tourists—folks who brave the cold and snow to ski, snowshoe, or climb up Johnston Canyon wearing ice cleats. —Lisa Kadane, AFAR Media, 1 Apr. 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