Definition

1. Noun:
   • A part of a garment: The section of a piece of clothing that covers all or part of the arm. It is typically attached at the shoulder (armhole).
   • A protective or enclosing cover: A tube-like case or cover that fits around an object to protect it, hold it, or connect it to something else.

Usage and Examples

• As part of a garment:
  • She rolled up her sleeves to wash the dishes.
  • The dress has long sleeves for winter.
• As a protective cover:
  • The cable fits inside a plastic sleeve.
  • He slid the record out of its paper sleeve.

Advanced Usage and Idioms

• To have something up one's sleeve: To have a secret plan, idea, or advantage that you are keeping ready to use.
  • Don't worry about the negotiation; I have a few more arguments up my sleeve.
• To roll up one's sleeves: To prepare to work hard or get seriously involved in a task.
  • It's time to roll up our sleeves and finish this project.
• To wear one's heart on one's sleeve: To make one's feelings and emotions obvious and not hidden.
  • He's not shy; he wears his heart on his sleeve for everyone to see.
• To laugh up one's sleeve: To be secretly amused by something.
  • She agreed politely but was laughing up her sleeve at his mistake.

Variants and Related Words

• Sleeveless (adjective): Describing a garment without sleeves.
  • She wore a sleeveless dress to the party.
• Sleeving (noun): Material used for making sleeves or a protective covering.
  • The electrical wires are bundled in a braided sleeving.

Synonyms

• Arm covering: For the garment part.
• Case, cover, sheath, jacket: For the protective tube or cover.

Phrasal Verbs / Compound Verbs

Note: "Sleeve" is primarily a noun. It does not commonly function as a verb to form phrasal verbs. The related expressions are idiomatic (listed above).

Noun

1. small case into which an object fits
2. the part of a garment that is attached at the armhole and that provides a cloth covering for the arm