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

And against the Baltimore Ravens last September, Campbell took a cleat to the mouth in an act of friendly fire, gushing blood for the rest of the game. — Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Proceeds will support local programs, including the Chester Union Soccer Club, which helps cover costs such as uniforms, cleats and club fees for young players, like 11-year-old midfielder Zidan Harris. — Eva Andersen, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026

And what Academy does sell in its footwear line is skewed toward performance, such as running and cleats. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026

Just three months ago, the major shoe companies outfitting World Cup players each chose a shocking shade of pink for their soccer cleats. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 8 Sep. 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