sleeve

noun

\ ˈslēv

How to pronounce sleeve (audio)

\

Definition of sleeve

1a : a part of a garment covering an arm

b : sleevelet

2a : 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 sense 3c(2)

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

Other Words from sleeve More Example Sentences Learn More about sleeve

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of sleeve in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

Lay tops facedown, fold in the sleeves and roll from the bottom up. — Nicole Saporita, Good Housekeeping, "14 Genius Packing Tips to Help You Travel Like a Pro," 9 Apr. 2019 In a snap from costar Eric Underwood's Instagram, Swift can be seen in a short-sleeve, high-neck dress with an allover leopard pattern. — Glamour, "Taylor Swift Wore Animal Print to the Cats Wrap Party, Because of Course She Did," 2 Apr. 2019 At Alexander McQueen, Victorian aesthetics mingled with gothic sensibility in the form of a suit with a train and slits in the sleeves. — Vogue, "2000s or 1800s? Why Fashion Is Revisiting the Victorian Era," 27 Mar. 2019 The breakout series won’t be all roll-up-your-sleeves renovations—viewers can also expect a more candid component, too. — Blair Donovan, Country Living, "What to Know About Christina El Moussa's New Show 'Christina on the Coast'," 24 Mar. 2019 George, who is attending the ceremony in the Chapel Royal at St. James' Palace in London alongside parents William, Kate, and Charlotte, showed up for his little bro's big day in a short-sleeve, collared shirt and (of course) shorts. — Ruby Buddemeyer, Marie Claire, "Prince George Has Just Arrived at Prince Louis' Christening," 9 July 2018 The Mulleavy sisters over at Rodarte did white blouses with puffed sleeves that touched the heavens at their Fall 2019 show. — Vogue, "2000s or 1800s? Why Fashion Is Revisiting the Victorian Era," 27 Mar. 2019 Travis wore a suave black suit and Kylie stunned in an artsy powder pink jumpsuit with massive statement sleeves. — Kelsey Stiegman, Seventeen, "Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott Walked the 2019 Grammys Red Carpet Together Amid Engagement Rumors," 11 Feb. 2019 The Reds will wear white with a checked print, with grey sleeves and red trim, keeping in tradition with familiar away and third kit designs seen in years gone by. — SI.com, "PHOTO: Liverpool Unveil Trendy New Third Kit Ahead of 2018/19 Season," 12 July 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.

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for sleeve

sleeve

noun

English Language Learners Definition of sleeve

: 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

See the full definition for sleeve in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sleeve

noun

\ ˈslēv

\

Kids Definition of sleeve

1 : the part of a piece of clothing covering the arm

2 : a part that fits over or around something like a sleeve

up someone's sleeve

: held secretly in reserve Watch him. He's got something up his sleeve.

Other Words from sleeve

sleeved \ ˈslēvd \ adjective

sleeveless \ ˈslēv-ləs \ adjective

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

propitious

likely to have or produce good results

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ