gaiter

American  

[gey-ter] / ˈgeɪ tər /

noun

1. a covering of cloth or leather for the ankle and instep and sometimes also the lower leg, worn over the shoe or boot.

2. a cloth or leather shoe with elastic insertions at the sides.

3. an overshoe with a fabric top.

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gaiter British  

/ ˈɡeɪtə /

noun

1. a cloth or leather covering for the leg or ankle buttoned on one side and usually strapped under the foot

2. Also called: spat.  a similar covering extending from the ankle to the instep

3. a waterproof covering for the ankle worn by climbers and walkers to prevent snow, mud, or gravel entering over the top of the boot

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Other Word Forms

• gaiterless adjective

Etymology

Origin of gaiter

1765–75; < French guêtre, Middle French guiestre, guestre, perhaps < Frankish *wrist, cognate with German Rist ankle, wrist. See wrist

Example Sentences

On their faces, they wear a stretchy fishing gaiter, usually topped with a hat, that almost completely obscures their faces.

From Slate • Oct. 10, 2025

Collin Morikawa had a gaiter around his neck to try to stay warm.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 9, 2022

The bandit has worn a green neck gaiter or another face covering during the robberies and attempted robberies, according to the FBI.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 2, 2022

Wearing a periwinkle neck gaiter with a flower print and the black-and-red Team China uniform, she doubled over to catch her breath after crossing the finish line.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2022

When Edna knocked at Mademoiselle Reisz’s front room door and entered, she discovered that person standing beside the window, engaged in mending or patching an old prunella gaiter.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin