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

Deputies recently visited Kevin as well, bringing the teen new soccer gear after his cleats were destroyed in the lightning strike. — Luli Ortiz, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026

For footwear, Adidas remains the authorized seller of official soccer jersey and other products that include Messi shoes and soccer cleats. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

But on Wednesday, Brown was spotted in the locker room, wearing cleats, with no noticeable limp. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Most adults’ feet are marginally different sizes (by around 2mm), while men and women generally require different soccer-cleat constructions. — Liam Tharme, New York Times, 3 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