sleeve

sleeve

noun \ˈslēv\

Definition of SLEEVE

1

a : a part of a garment covering an arm

b : sleevelet

2

a : a tubular part (as a hollow axle or a bushing) designed to fit over another part

b : an open-ended flat or tubular packaging or cover; especially : jacket 3c(2)

— sleeved \ˈslēvd\ adjective

— sleeve·less \ˈslēv-ləs\ adjective

— on one's sleeve

: in an honest and open manner —used with wear <wears his emotions on his sleeve>

— up one's sleeve

: held secretly in reserve <has a few tricks up her sleeve>

Examples of SLEEVE

1. a shirt with long sleeves
2. The joint is covered with a metal sleeve.

Origin of SLEEVE

Middle English sleve, from Old English slīefe; perhaps akin to Old English slēfan to slip (clothes) on, slūpan to slip, Old High German sliofan, Latin lubricus slippery

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Clothing Terms

babushka, brogue, bumbershoot, cravat, dishabille, furbelow, layette, raiment, spectator

Rhymes with SLEEVE

breve, cleave, eave, eve, Eve, greave, grieve, heave, leave, lief, peeve, reave, reeve, reive, scrieve, sheave, steeve, thieve, weave