A cleat is a kind of hook with two ends which is used to hold ropes, especially on sailing boats.
cleat in British English
(kliːt)
noun
1.
a wedge-shaped block, usually of wood, attached to a structure to act as a support
2.
a device consisting of two hornlike prongs projecting horizontally in opposite directions from a central base, used for securing lines on vessels, wharves, etc
3.
a short length of angle iron used as a bracket
4.
a piece of metal, leather, etc, attached to the sole of a shoe to prevent wear or slipping
5.
a small triangular-shaped nail used in glazing
6.
any of the main cleavage planes in a coal seam
verb(transitive)
7.
to supply or support with a cleat or cleats
8.
to secure (a line) on a cleat
Word origin
C14: of Germanic origin, compare Old High German chlōz clod, lump, Dutch kloot ball
cleat in American English
(klit)
noun
1.
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.
2. Nautical
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
verb transitive
3.
to fasten to or with a cleat
Word origin
ME clete < OE *cleat (WGmc *klaut), a lump < IE *g(e)l-eu- < base *gel-: see climb
Examples of 'cleat' in a sentence
cleat
She waited by the gangway and caught his arm when his numbed foot missed a worn rubber cleat.
Ballard, J. G. RUSHING TO PARADISE (2002)
Stone took one last turn on the cleat, stood up and stuck out his hand.
Terman, Douglas CORMORANT (2002)
She tied off the bow quickly, then leaned out and grabbed the stern cleat so the boat couldn't drift out from the dock.