Simple Definition of spat
from our Learner's Dictionaryspat
1 of 4past tense and past participle of spit entry 1
plural spats
: a short argument about something that is not important
The newlyweds were having another spat.
spats; spatted; spatting
somewhat old-fashioned
: to argue or fight : to have a spat
They were typical sisters, spatting one minute, playing together the next.
plural spats
: a cloth or leather covering for the ankle and foot that men wore over their shoes in the past
—usually plural
a pair of spats
Cite this Entry
“Spat.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/spat. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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