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

Williams covered up the logo on his Caddix brand cleats after reportedly getting fined about $35,000 the past two weeks for displaying an unauthorized logo. — ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026

In other words, while the NFL has not announced plans to keep Williams off the field over his Caddix cleats, its existing rules provide a potential enforcement mechanism that goes well beyond simply issuing another fine. — Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026

Patrick, who was injured when his cleats became tangled in TV cords, had to first seek redress through a grievance procedure before being able to pursue a lawsuit. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 26 Oct. 2026

He had been stepped on by another player’s cleat, according to the Eagles. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 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