Pronunciation: [ɹˈɛkɔːd slˈiːv] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "record sleeve" is /ˈrɛkɔːd sliːv/. The word "record" is spelled with the letter "c" because it comes from the Latin word "recordari," which means to remember. The word "sleeve" is spelled with the letters "s-l-e-e-v-e" because it is derived from the Old English "sliban," meaning to slide or slip. A record sleeve is a protective cover for a vinyl record, used to prevent dust and scratches.
A record sleeve refers to the protective cover or sheath that frames and safeguards a vinyl record. It is typically made of paper or cardboard and is designed to enclose and shield the fragile vinyl disc from dust, dirt, scratches, and other potential damage. Its primary function is to preserve the condition of the record by acting as a barrier, preventing direct contact with potentially harmful elements.
Record sleeves come in various sizes to accommodate different vinyl formats, such as singles, EPs, and full-length albums. They often feature artwork, graphics, or text related to the album, artist, or record label, serving as an outer canvas for creative expression and visual representation. The cover art and design contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal and marketing strategy of the record, attracting attention and enticing potential buyers.
In addition to protective purposes and aesthetic value, record sleeves oftentimes contain additional information related to the music, such as track listings, lyrics, credits, and liner notes. These supplementary details provide context, background, and insights about the recordings, enhancing the listener's experience and understanding of the music.
When a vinyl record is stored or displayed, it is typically kept inside its sleeve to minimize exposure to potential damage. The size, material, artwork, and contents of a record sleeve contribute to its importance as an integral and valuable component of the overall vinyl record package.
The word "record sleeve" is a compound noun made up of two separate words: "record" and "sleeve".
The word "record" comes from the Latin word "recordari", meaning "remember". It was initially used to refer to a written document or inscription used for recording or preserving information. In the late 19th century, "record" began to be associated with sound recordings, especially with the advent of the phonograph.
The word "sleeve" has Old English origins and originally referred to the part of a garment that covers or encloses the arm. Over time, it came to describe the covering of various objects that resembled a protective wrapping or enclosure.
Therefore, the etymology of "record sleeve" combines the concept of an item used for recording and preserving sound (record) with the idea of a protective covering (sleeve) to encompass the protective cover for a vinyl record.
