Pronunciation: [klˈiːt] (IPA) 
The word "cleat" is spelled with a "c" followed by a "leat," which makes the "k" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "cleat" is /klit/. The "c" and "e" make a "k" sound, while the "a" has a short "eh" sound, and the "t" indicates that the word ends with a stop sound. Cleats are commonly used in sports, particularly in soccer or American football, to refer to the studs on the bottom of a shoe that provide traction on the field.
A cleat, in its primary usage, is a fastening device that is composed of a metal or plastic piece with projecting parts, typically in the form of teeth, ridges, or grooves. Cleats are designed to securely hold and interlock with another object, such as a rope, cable, or shoe, to prevent movement or slippage.
In the maritime context, a cleat refers to a horizontal or vertical metal or wooden fitting that is affixed to a dock, boat, or other structure to which ropes are tied. This type of cleat is specifically engineered to provide a firm anchor point for securing vessels, preventing unintended drift and ensuring their stability while moored.
In sports, particularly in soccer, football, and baseball, cleats are specialized athletic footwear that feature protrusions or studs on the sole. These studs or spikes, typically made of hard rubber or metal, improve traction and grip on various playing surfaces such as grass, turf, or muddy grounds. By gripping the surface, cleats provide athletes with better stability and control, allowing for quick changes of direction and reducing the risk of slipping or falling during intense gameplay.
Beyond these specific uses, the term "cleat" may also be used metaphorically to describe any device or mechanism designed to hold or secure objects firmly in place, highlighting its broader connotation of providing stability, security, and reliable attachment.
A piece of wood fastened on the yard-arm of a ship to keep the ropes from slipping; a piece of wood to fasten anything to; a piece of iron worn on shoes to render them more durable.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "cleat" originated from Middle English "cleat" or "clete", which derived from Old English "cled", meaning "a piece of a rudder" or "a wedge-shaped stick". The Old English term derived from Old Norse "kléttr", meaning "a peg" or "a bar". Ultimately, the word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "klattuz", which has the same meaning.
