WordGarden.iosleeveless
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /slˈiːvləs/
US
- /ˈslivlɪs/
Meanings
Adjective
having no sleeves, especially of a shirt, dress, or other garment
Beyond the definition
Imagine a warm summer day—you might choose to wear a sleeveless shirt or dress to stay cool. The word describes a piece of clothing that is made without sleeves, so the arms are left bare. You will often see it used for tops, dresses, jerseys, and similar clothes. Think of a basketball jersey, or picture a little girl in a sleeveless sundress twirling in the sunshine. The word is mostly used when talking about clothing and style.
"Sleeveless" describes a garment that has no sleeves, meaning there is no fabric covering the arms. It is a simple clothing word, but it can say a lot about both comfort and style. People often choose sleeveless clothes in warm weather, for sports, or when they want a lighter, freer feel. Common examples include shirts, blouses, dresses, jerseys, and sweaters with no sleeves.
Today, "sleeveless" is mostly used in clothing and fashion. A sleeveless blouse might be worn with a cardigan when it gets cool, while a sleeveless dress can feel casual in the daytime or elegant at night. The word can also describe less common items like sweaters, jackets, or coats made without sleeves, but most of the time it refers to lighter everyday clothes.
You might hear it in phrases like "a sleeveless silk top" or "She preferred sleeveless dresses because they kept her cooler." It gives a clear picture of how a piece of clothing is made: the body is covered, but the arms are left free. In that way, the word is not just about what is missing, but also about the look, feel, and use of the clothing.
Examples
- 1
Wedding outfit
She wore a sleeveless dress to the wedding.
- 2
Exercise clothing
He changed into a sleeveless top before his run.
- 3
Clothing styles
This blouse comes in both sleeveless and long-sleeved versions.
- 4
Summer clothing
I usually go sleeveless in summer, but I keep a light jacket in the office.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sleevelessadjective