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

A neck gaiter protected his face from bugs.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 14, 2023

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

That week, a patient in his 40s came in for a physical — he was high-risk and asthmatic — and his gaiter was pushed down when she walked into the exam room.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 9, 2020

The leg was straight, bent at the knee, and the foot was clad in a polished kid congress gaiter.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck