Definition of CLEAT

cleat

Meanings

Plural: cleats

Noun

  • a metal or leather projection (as from the sole of a shoe); prevents slipping
  • a fastener (usually with two projecting horns) around which a rope can be secured
  • a strip of wood or metal used to strengthen the surface to which it is attached
  • A strip of wood or iron fastened on transversely to something in order to give strength, prevent warping, hold position, etc.
  • A continuous metal strip, or angled piece, used to secure metal components.
  • A device to quickly affix a line or rope, and from which it is also easy to release.
  • A protrusion on the bottom of a shoe or wheel meant for better traction.
  • An athletic shoe equipped with cleats.

Verb

  • provide with cleats
    • "cleat running shoes for better traction"
  • secure on a cleat
    • "cleat a line"
  • To strengthen with a cleat.
  • To tie off, affix, stopper a line or rope, especially to a cleat.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English clete, from Old English *clēat, clēot, from Proto-Germanic *klautaz (“firm lump”), from Proto-Indo-European *gelewd-, from *gley- (“to glue, stick together, form into a ball”). Cognate with Dutch kloot (“ball; testicle”) and German Kloß. See also clay and clout.

Scrabble Score: 7

cleat is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
cleat is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
cleat is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 9

cleat is a valid Words With Friends word