Definition

Noun: A protective paper or cardboard envelope, jacket, or cover designed to hold and store a single phonograph record (vinyl disc). Its primary functions are to shield the record from dust, scratches, and damage, and to provide a surface for artwork, track listings, and other information.

Usage

The term "record sleeve" refers specifically to the physical cover for the record itself. It is distinct from the outer album cover or gatefold. - He carefully slid the vinyl disc out of its record sleeve. - The record sleeve was torn at the corner, but the record inside was pristine. - Classic albums from the 1960s often have iconic artwork on their record sleeves.

Advanced Usage

• Inner sleeve: A secondary, often plain paper or plastic sleeve inside the main record sleeve, providing additional protection.
  • The record was housed in a rice paper inner sleeve within the illustrated outer sleeve.
• Picture sleeve: A record sleeve that features promotional artwork or photographs, commonly used for singles.
  • The 7-inch single came in a colorful picture sleeve featuring the band.

Variants and Related Words

• Album cover / Jacket: The outer packaging for a record album, which may be a single sleeve or a gatefold, and which contains the record sleeve(s) inside.
• Sleeve note / Liner note: The written commentary or credits often found on or inside a record sleeve.
• Record jacket: A synonym for "record sleeve," though sometimes used interchangeably with "album cover."

Synonyms

• Record jacket
• Disk envelope (less common)

Notes

The "record sleeve" is an integral part of the physical music medium. With the decline of vinyl records, the term is often used in nostalgic or collector contexts. In modern discussions, it is sometimes referenced when talking about digital album art, which originated from sleeve designs.

Noun

1. a sleeve for storing a phonograph record