1. a piece of metal, plastic, or wood with projecting ends around which a rope can be wound
Usage: nautical
2. a projecting piece on the sole of a shoe or boot to prevent slipping
3. a strip of wood or metal fastened to something to give strength or hold something in position

1. to fasten a rope to a cleat
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The sailor wound the rope around the cleat on the dock.
• His football cleats gave him better traction on the muddy field.
• She bought new soccer cleats for the upcoming season.
• The carpenter attached a cleat to support the heavy shelf.
• Make sure to cleat that line properly before we set sail.
• The dock worker cleated the mooring rope securely.
• Baseball players wear cleats to grip the dirt and grass.