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)
cleated; cleating; cleats
Examples of cleat in a Sentence
Noun
a football player wearing cleats
Recent Examples on the Web
Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
An adjustable mainsheet stopper – the cleat that locks the sail's control line – can be operated by either the person at the helm or other crew members depending on where they're positioned around the hull.
—Omar Kardoudi
march 13, New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
Each player has been measured without cleats and the strike zone has been set to his individual frame.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026
The family is thankful that UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky wrote the initials for Johnny on his cleats.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cleat
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Noun
The play was initially deemed a yellow card, but after a review, it was upgraded to a red card because Sonis came sliding in with the bottom of her cleat in the air.
—Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
An adjustable mainsheet stopper – the cleat that locks the sail's control line – can be operated by either the person at the helm or other crew members depending on where they're positioned around the hull.
—Omar Kardoudi
march 13, New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
Each player has been measured without cleats and the strike zone has been set to his individual frame.
—Doug Padilla, Oc Register, 8 Mar. 2026
The family is thankful that UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky wrote the initials for Johnny on his cleats.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cleat
Cite this Entry
“Cleat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cleat. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
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