noun
sleeve
sleev
noun
1
The part of a garment that covers the arm.
"He rolled up his sleeves before starting the repair."
"Her jacket had short sleeves, perfect for the warm weather."
2
A protective cover or lining, often tube-shaped, that fits over something.
"The vinyl record came in a cardboard sleeve with the band's artwork."
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.
Common mistake
"Have something up your sleeve" means to have a hidden plan or trick ready — don't take it literally.
Common pairings
roll up one's sleeves
short sleeve
record sleeve
Word Forms
sleeved past tense, sleeves plural, sleeves singular
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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.