noun

spats

Spats (noun) means Short cloth or leather coverings worn over the top of a shoe and ankle, historically for style or protection. Example: “The dapper old photograph showed him in a suit, cane, and spats.”

noun

Short cloth or leather coverings worn over the top of a shoe and ankle, historically for style or protection.

"The dapper old photograph showed him in a suit, cane, and spats."

Plural of spat: brief, petty quarrels.

"They've had a few spats over money, but nothing serious."

How to use spats

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither old-fashioned shoe-top coverings, or small arguments (as the plural of spat).

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The dapper old photograph showed him in a suit, cane, and _____.

Etymology

A shortened form of "spatterdashes," older protective leg coverings worn to keep mud and rain off the ankles.

Rhymes for spats

rats bats lats CATS thats Chats

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Frequently asked questions

What does “spats” mean?

The word “spats” means short cloth or leather coverings worn over the top of a shoe and ankle, historically for style or protection. In plain terms, either old-fashioned shoe-top coverings, or small arguments (as the plural of spat).

How do you pronounce “spats”?

“Spats” is pronounced spats (/spæts/ in IPA).

How do you use “spats” in a sentence?

Here is “spats” used in a sentence: “The dapper old photograph showed him in a suit, cane, and spats.”

What part of speech is “spats”?

“Spats” is a noun.

How many meanings does “spats” have?

“Spats” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: short cloth or leather coverings worn over the top of a shoe and ankle, historically for style or protection.