sleeve

noun \ ˈslēv \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

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

The windows of the family home and car are fitted with UV-protective film and even the lightbulbs in Oliver’s classroom have a sleeve to keep him safe from skin damage.

— patricia murphy, Fox News, "Boy who is allergic to sun can't go outside without thick plastic visor," 11 Apr. 2018
Those details live within that folder, protected by a plastic sleeve, stashed above his desk in the family’s combo office-playroom.

— alex prewitt, SI.com, "The Legend of Z: Zdeno Chara Remains Obsessed in His Pursuit of Outsized Excellence," 3 Apr. 2018
There are four compartments in total: a sleeve for your passport, slots for two credit cards, and a spot for miscellaneous small stuff, like tickets and receipts.

— tiffany yannetta, GQ, "Yes, You Need a Passport Holder," 20 Mar. 2018
When Maura’s father, who like his son is from Puerto Rico, flashed on the Jumbotron and slapped a Puerto Rican sleeve on his arm.

— brendan marks, charlotteobserver, "Upset-hungry UMBC put up a fight against Kansas State. Here’s how the magic faded. | Charlotte Observer," 18 Mar. 2018
Take, for instance, a robotic sleeve that fits over the heart to keep it pumping.

— matt simon, WIRED, "Med Students Are Getting Terrible Training in Robotic Surgery," 15 Mar. 2018
Dangerfield, again playing with a compression sleeve on her left leg, played 19 minutes.

— mike anthony, courant.com, "UConn Women Dismantle Wichita State, 124-43, Put On Show At XL Center," 11 Feb. 2018
He was last seen wearing a black short sleeve, button down shirt, loose fitting blue jeans and black shoes.

— howard cohen, miamiherald, "Be on the lookout: Suspect who killed man in Cocoa may have fled to South Florida," 9 Feb. 2018
The first of their kind, each card comes with a 45 RPM vinyl record with two songs from each artist built into a sleeve on the cover.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "WATCH: Hallmark Just Debuted The Coolest Vinyl Record Cards for Valentine’s Day," 5 Feb. 2018

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

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