sleeve

play

noun \ ˈslēv \

Definition of sleeve

1 a :a part of a garment covering an arm

b :sleevelet

2 a :a tubular part (such 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

play \ˈslēvd\ adjective

—

sleeveless

play \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

See sleeve defined for English-language learners

See sleeve defined for kids

Examples of sleeve in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of sleeve from the Web

Mackanin wrote Mauch’s name on his right sleeve this weekend inside a patch designated for players and coaches to thank someone who was beneficial to their career as part of Player’s Weekend.

— matt breen, Philly.com, "Pete Mackanin thanks former Phillies manager Gene Mauch; Velasquez seeking second opinion," 25 Aug. 2017
Korn, a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, specializes in laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic gastric banding.

— tetona dunlap, idahostatesman, "One Idahoan with Type 2 diabetes turns to exercise, another to chicken-fried steak," 19 Aug. 2017
The Ironbirds insignia sits on the left sleeve, while the Maryland flag covered the right side.

— chris jeter, The Aegis, "Steamed Crabs for a night, Aberdeen IronBirds unable to hold off West Virginia," 12 Aug. 2017
The devil’s in the detail Despite the apparent similarity with some modern flowers, their ultimate ancestor has a few surprises up its sleeve.

— Scientific American, "Revealed: The First Flower, 140-million Years Old, Looked Like a Magnolia," 1 Aug. 2017
Maybe this Rangers club has one more run up its sleeve.

— stefan stevenson, star-telegram, "Rangers reaction: Some of that Lone Star Grit shows up," 21 July 2017
Pence had made a show of rolling up his sleeves and diving into the specifics, a businesslike soldier for the president’s agenda.

— abigail tracy, The Hive, "Mike Pence’s Master Plan Goes Up in Smoke," 20 July 2017
His shredded-up shirt works for three reasons: First, only the sleeves have been cut, not the body (i.e. no side boob is showing).

— liza corsillo, GQ, "Justin Theroux Shows You How to Summer-ize Your Favorite T-Shirt," 19 July 2017
Gomez said his crews wear long sleeves, coveralls, gloves and masks while handling fentanyl.

— curt anderson, The Seattle Times, "Powerful opioid suspected in 10-year-old Miami boy’s death," 18 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sleeve.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

See Words from the same year

Other Clothing Terms

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

SLEEVE Defined for English Language Learners

sleeve

play

noun

Definition of sleeve for English Language Learners

: the part of a shirt, jacket, etc., that covers all or part of your arm
: a part that fits over or around something to protect it or to hold its parts together