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 biggest items to have when playing soccer are a good pair of soccer cleats, a soccer ball to practice with at home and a mini soccer net for the backyard. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Willis flashed his sense of humor after being asked about his aqua cleats. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026

Michelle Cooper fined for her cleats again The National Women’s Soccer League has fined players in recent weeks for breaking the league’s footwear sponsorship policy, instituted midseason on June 26. — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Credit might be given to Ceddanne Rafaela’s cleats and arm sleeves, as bright as a French’s yellow mustard bottle. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

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