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cleat

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The definition of a cleat is a shoe with metal, rubber or other material projecting from the sole that helps you to get a better grip, or the metal, rubber or other pieces that project from the bottom of the shoe.

(noun)

Shoes with little metal pieces on the bottom to help you get a grip when playing football are an example of cleats.
The little metal pieces on the bottom of your football shoes are an example of cleats.

See cleat in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a piece of wood, metal, or plastic, often wedge-shaped, fastened to something to strengthen it or give secure footing: cleats are used on gangways, under shelves, on the soles or heels of shoes, etc.
Naut. a small metal or wood fitting fixed as to the deck of a ship and used to secure a rope, specif. one with projecting ends

Origin: ME clete < OE *cleat (WGmc *klaut), a lump < IE *g(e)l-eu- < base *gel-: see climb

transitive verb

to fasten to or with a cleat

See cleat in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A strip of wood or iron used to strengthen or support the surface to which it is attached.
a. A projecting piece of metal or hard rubber attached to the underside of a shoe to provide traction.
b. cleats A pair of shoes with such projections on the soles.
A piece of metal or wood having projecting arms or ends on which a rope can be wound or secured.
A wedge-shaped piece of material, such as wood, that is fastened onto something, such as a spar, to act as a support or prevent slippage.
A spurlike device used in gripping a tree or pole in climbing.

transitive verb cleat·ed, cleat·ing, cleats

To supply, support, secure, or strengthen with a cleat.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English clete

Origin: , from Old English *clēat, lump, wedge

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