noun
spats
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
1
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."
2
Plural of spat: brief, petty quarrels.
"They've had a few spats over money, but nothing serious."
How to use spats
Learner’s notesIn 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
See all rhymes for spats →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.
