sleeveless
Americanadjective
-
without sleeves.
-
amounting to nothing; unprofitable; futile.
a sleeveless errand.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sleeveless
before 950; Middle English; Old English slīeflēas. See sleeve, -less
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cameroon adopted a sleeveless shirt for the Africa Cup of Nations but Fifa had other ideas by the time the 2002 tournament rolled around.
From BBC ● Jun. 1, 2026
That’s all the context necessary to appreciate Naomi Osaka removing a ceremonial black skirt and sleeveless beaded bodice ahead of her opening match at the Roland-Garros Complex this week, revealing a sequined gold playing dress.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 2026
One wore a sleeveless crochet dress with geometric patterns, another a loud multicolored jacket.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 6, 2026
The Australian swimwear brand traces its origins to 1928, when Scottish immigrant Alexander MacRae produced a sleeveless Racerback swimsuit.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 22, 2026
“If I was e’er upon a sleeveless errand, it was you.”
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
