bishop sleeve: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Specialized/Fashion
Quick answer
What does “bishop sleeve” mean?
A long, full sleeve that is gathered into a tight cuff at the wrist.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A long, full sleeve that is gathered into a tight cuff at the wrist.
A specific style of sleeve in fashion and clothing design, characterized by its voluminous upper section that tapers to a fitted cuff, often associated with historical, ecclesiastical, or romantic styles in blouses, dresses, and gowns.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage between British and American English.
Connotations
Both varieties associate it with historical, vintage, or bohemian fashion styles.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both dialects, primarily used in fashion contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bishop sleeve” in a Sentence
[garment] with bishop sleevesa bishop-sleeve [blouse/dress]the bishop sleeves of her gownVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bishop sleeve” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tailor will bishop the sleeve for a more dramatic effect. (rare/technical)
American English
- She had the sleeves bishopped to match the vintage pattern. (rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- She chose a bishop-sleeve blouse for the event.
American English
- The bishop-sleeve top was the key piece of her outfit.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in fashion retail, design, and manufacturing (e.g., 'The autumn collection features tops with bishop sleeves.')
Academic
Used in fashion history, textile, and costume design studies.
Everyday
Rare. Used when describing clothing in detail (e.g., 'She wore a blouse with those lovely bishop sleeves.')
Technical
Precise term in pattern-making and garment construction specifications.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bishop sleeve”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bishop sleeve”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bishop sleeve”
- Using it as an uncountable noun (*'The dress had bishop sleeve.'). Correct: '...bishop sleeves' or '...a bishop sleeve.'
- Confusing it with 'bell sleeve' (which flares out without a tight cuff).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are full, but a leg-of-mutton sleeve is extremely full and padded at the shoulder, tapering sharply to a tight forearm. A bishop sleeve is generally full throughout its length and gathered into a cuff at the wrist.
No, it's a specialized term used primarily in fashion, sewing, and historical costume description. The average person might simply call it a 'puffy sleeve' or 'full sleeve'.
Yes, often hyphenated as 'bishop-sleeve', e.g., 'a bishop-sleeve blouse'. This is common in both UK and US fashion writing.
It derives from the style of sleeves found on the robes worn by bishops in Christian liturgical vestments, which are often full and gathered at the wrist.
A long, full sleeve that is gathered into a tight cuff at the wrist.
Bishop sleeve is usually specialized/fashion in register.
Bishop sleeve: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪʃəp sliːv/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪʃəp sliv/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bishop raising his arms in wide ceremonial robes – the sleeve is full like the robe's arm, gathered tightly at the wrist like a cuff.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING IS A HISTORICAL DOCUMENT (references past styles); VOLUME IS DRAMA.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a bishop sleeve?