sleeve
7 synonyms for sleeve, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The part of a garment that covers the arm.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use sleeve
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
roll up one's sleeves
short sleeve
record sleeve
Etymology
From Old English slīefe, ultimately related to Dutch sloof ("apron") — the underlying idea is a covering that fits over something.
Full origin of sleeve →Frequently asked questions
What does “sleeve” mean?
The word “sleeve” means the part of a garment that covers the arm. In plain terms, the arm-covering part of clothing, or, more broadly, any protective covering shaped to fit over something.
How do you pronounce “sleeve”?
“Sleeve” is pronounced sleev (/sliv/ in IPA).
How do you use “sleeve” in a sentence?
Here is “sleeve” used in a sentence: “He rolled up his sleeves before starting the repair.”
What part of speech is “sleeve”?
“Sleeve” is a noun.
Where does the word “sleeve” come from?
The word “sleeve” comes from Old English. From Old English slīefe, ultimately related to Dutch sloof ("apron") — the underlying idea is a covering that fits over something.
Is “sleeve” a common word?
“Sleeve” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “sleeve” have?
“Sleeve” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the part of a garment that covers the arm.
What is the difference between a sleeve and a cuff?
A sleeve is the part of a garment that covers the arm, while a cuff is the band or folded edge at the end of the sleeve around the wrist. The cuff is a small finishing part of the larger sleeve.
What is the difference between a sleeve and a case?
Both cover or hold an object, but a sleeve is usually a thin, flat or tube-shaped cover that slides over something, such as a record sleeve. A case is typically more rigid and fully encloses the item for protection.
