sleeve
Sleeve (noun) means the part of a garment that covers the arm. Example: “He rolled up his sleeves before starting the repair.”
How to use sleeve
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe arm-covering part of clothing, or, more broadly, any protective covering shaped to fit over something.
"Have something up your sleeve" means to have a hidden plan or trick ready — don't take it literally.
Word forms
sleeved past tense, sleeves plural, sleeves singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He rolled up his _____ before starting the repair.
Etymology
From Old English slīefe, ultimately related to Dutch sloof ("apron") — the underlying idea is a covering that fits over something.
Related words
Rhymes for sleeve
See all rhymes for 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.