Sleeve - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

worn on the arm

A part of a garment that covers the arm, varying in length and style. Sleeves can be long, short, tight, loose, etc.

Synonyms

armband, cuff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sleeve	Use 'sleeve' when referring to the part of a garment that covers the arm. Sleeves can be of different lengths and styles, such as long sleeves, short sleeves, and sleeveless. He rolled up his sleeves before starting work. The dress has beautiful lace sleeves.
armband	Use 'armband' when referring to a band or strip worn around the arm, usually to signify something like mourning, support for a cause, or identification. It can also be used in sports to signify a captain. The employees wore black armbands to honor their late coworker. The team captain proudly displayed his armband.
cuff	Use 'cuff' when referring to the end part of a sleeve, where it has an extra piece of fabric, often fastened with a button or cufflink. It can also refer to the bottom part of a trouser leg. He adjusted his cufflinks before the meeting. The cuffs of her jeans were frayed.

Word

Description / Examples

sleeve

Use 'sleeve' when referring to the part of a garment that covers the arm. Sleeves can be of different lengths and styles, such as long sleeves, short sleeves, and sleeveless.

He rolled up his sleeves before starting work.
The dress has beautiful lace sleeves.

armband

Use 'armband' when referring to a band or strip worn around the arm, usually to signify something like mourning, support for a cause, or identification. It can also be used in sports to signify a captain.

The employees wore black armbands to honor their late coworker.
The team captain proudly displayed his armband.

cuff

Use 'cuff' when referring to the end part of a sleeve, where it has an extra piece of fabric, often fastened with a button or cufflink. It can also refer to the bottom part of a trouser leg.

He adjusted his cufflinks before the meeting.
The cuffs of her jeans were frayed.

Examples of usage

The dress has long sleeves.
He rolled up his sleeves to start working.
She wore a blouse with puffy sleeves.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

protective covering

A protective covering that fits over or around an object, such as a record sleeve or a CD sleeve.

Synonyms

case, cover.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sleeve	This refers to the part of a garment that covers your arm. It can also be used to describe a protective covering for documents or records. Her dress had long sleeves that kept her warm. He carefully placed the vinyl record into its sleeve.
cover	This is a broader term that can be used for anything that provides a layer of protection over something else, such as books, furniture, or electronic devices. She placed a cover on her tablet to avoid damage. The book's cover was bright and colorful. They bought a new cover for their outdoor furniture.
case	This is often used to describe a container for protecting or transporting items like smartphones, glasses, instruments, or various tools. She bought a new case for her phone to prevent it from scratching. The musician stored his guitar in a durable case.

Word

Description / Examples

sleeve

This refers to the part of a garment that covers your arm. It can also be used to describe a protective covering for documents or records.

Her dress had long sleeves that kept her warm.
He carefully placed the vinyl record into its sleeve.

cover

This is a broader term that can be used for anything that provides a layer of protection over something else, such as books, furniture, or electronic devices.

She placed a cover on her tablet to avoid damage.
The book's cover was bright and colorful.
They bought a new cover for their outdoor furniture.

case

This is often used to describe a container for protecting or transporting items like smartphones, glasses, instruments, or various tools.

She bought a new case for her phone to prevent it from scratching.
The musician stored his guitar in a durable case.

Examples of usage

He put the vinyl record back into its sleeve.
She stored the CD in its plastic sleeve.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to conceal or hide

To hide or conceal something, often in a deceptive or clever way.

Synonyms

conceal, hide.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sleeve	Use this word when referring to the part of a piece of clothing that covers the arms. It can also mean something hidden or kept secret, often used in the phrase 'up one’s sleeve.' She rolled up her sleeves before starting to paint. He always has a trick up his sleeve.
conceal	This word is often appropriate when purposely keeping something out of sight to avoid detection, often with a sense of intent or intrigue. She tried to conceal her disappointment. They concealed the evidence in the attic.
hide	This term is used in general when something is being put out of sight, whether intentionally or accidentally. It can imply a simple act of putting something away or more complex actions, often without the same level of intent as 'conceal.' He tried to hide behind the curtains. She hides her money under the mattress.

Word

Description / Examples

sleeve

Use this word when referring to the part of a piece of clothing that covers the arms. It can also mean something hidden or kept secret, often used in the phrase 'up one’s sleeve.'

She rolled up her sleeves before starting to paint.
He always has a trick up his sleeve.

conceal

This word is often appropriate when purposely keeping something out of sight to avoid detection, often with a sense of intent or intrigue.

She tried to conceal her disappointment.
They concealed the evidence in the attic.

hide

This term is used in general when something is being put out of sight, whether intentionally or accidentally. It can imply a simple act of putting something away or more complex actions, often without the same level of intent as 'conceal.'

He tried to hide behind the curtains.
She hides her money under the mattress.

Examples of usage

He managed to sleeve the stolen goods without anyone noticing.
She sleeved the cards during the game.

Interesting Facts

Fashion History

In the 16th century, sleeves were often separate pieces, allowing for unique styles and embellishments.
The Renaissance era saw extravagant sleeves, sometimes larger than the torso, reflecting the wearer's high social position.
Modern fashion has redefined sleeves with styles like puffed, fitted, and ruffled, continuously evolving with trends.

Cultural Significance

When sleeves were introduced in various cultures, they often represented modesty, particularly in traditional clothing.
In some cultures, long sleeves are associated with elegance and formality, often worn during ceremonies.
Sleeve tattoos have gained popularity in modern culture, symbolizing individual stories or personal beliefs.

Art

Famous paintings often depict figures with detailed sleeves, showcasing the artist's attention to fabric and fashion.
In costume design for theater and film, sleeve styles can indicate a character's background or personality.
Fashion illustrations heavily focus on sleeves to convey the latest trends and inspire designers.

Science

Research in textiles shows that sleeve design can affect comfort and movement, particularly in athletic wear.
The structure of sleeves is important for regulating body temperature, influencing how we dress for different weather.
Engineering studies analyze how sleeve patterns affect fabric drape and the visual aesthetics of clothes.

Origin of 'sleeve'

Main points about word origin

The word 'sleeve' comes from the Old English 'sleeve', which meant an 'arm covering'.
Originally, sleeves were made from various materials, indicating the wearer's social status and wealth in the Middle Ages.
In Middle English literature, sleeves were often mentioned in tales as symbols of fashion and personal style.

The word 'sleeve' originated from the Old English word 'slyfe', which referred to a covering for the arm. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings related to protective coverings and concealment. Sleeves have been a common feature in clothing for centuries, serving both functional and decorative purposes.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,385 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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7382 simulated
7383 intervening
7384 electronics
7385 sleeve
7386 preacher
7387 bloom
7388 pulses
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Sleeve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Definitions

worn on the arm

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Examples of usage

protective covering

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Examples of usage

to conceal or hide

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Examples of usage

Translations

Interesting Facts

Fashion History

Cultural Significance

Art

Science

Origin of 'sleeve'

Word Frequency Rank