cleat

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noun \ˈklēt\

Definition of cleat

1a : a wedge-shaped piece fastened to or projecting from something and serving as a support or checkb : a wooden or metal fitting usually with two projecting horns around which a rope may be made fast
2a : a strip fastened across something to give strength or hold in positionb (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

Eventually the football legs evolved and his final pair had cleats on the bottom.

— eden laase, SI.com, "After losing his legs shortly after birth, Hunter Woodhall found his place on the track," 13 July 2017
At Rogers Centre on Thursday, Castillo, in cleats, slipped on the concrete while walking to warm up pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez in the bullpen.

— callie caplan, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles notes: DL Hall signs for 'about $3 million;' Chris Davis' return date unknown," 30 June 2017
Gates is back for another go-around While the Chargers planned for life after Antonio Gates by drafting Arkansas’ Hunter Henry with the 35th pick in the 2016 draft, the 37-year-old future Hall of Fame tight end isn't ready to hang up his cleats.

— joe curley, USA TODAY, "Chargers preview: Bolts could get a jolt after Los Angeles move," 29 June 2017
By the 1980s, Dexter Shoe had a chain of retail stores and was making everything from golf cleats to bowling shoes.

— noah buhayar, Bloomberg.com, "A U.S. Shoe Town Tries to Rebuild From Warren Buffett’s ‘Worst Deal’ Ever," 13 June 2017
Mansfield graduate Bailey Bender is swapping her cleats for oars.

— shawn smajstrla, star-telegram.com, "Mansfield grad to swap soccer for oars, U.S. for Scotland," 7 June 2017
Got my cleat caught, fell down and kind of laid there.

— chris kuc, chicagotribune.com, "9 questions for White Sox's Mike Pelfrey: Superstitions, gaffes, favorite ballparks, more," 5 June 2017
Like many on this list, Keys has burners attached to the back of his cleats.

— NOLA.com, "12 most electric 2018 offensive skill players in Louisiana," 30 May 2017
Harper wore the cleats Saturday against the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park in Washington.

— baltimoresun.com, "Nationals star, Under Armour endorser Bryce Harper shares Memorial Day inspired shoes," 28 May 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

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
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

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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