The specification discloses a sleeve type coupling for providing a limited flexible connection between two sections of pipe, particularly large diameter pipe such as shore dredge pipe. The coupling has an overall length in the range of one and a half to two times the diameter of the pipe sections to be coupled and is of uniform wall thickness tapering uniformly from end to end except for a relatively short section intervening between the opposite end sections. The end sections are tapered in the range of 3 1/2 * to 5* with respect to the longitudinal axis and the section intervening between the end sections is of a length approximately 0.15 to 0.20 times the diameter of the pipe sections to be coupled, and is tapered at an angle to the longitudinal axis substantially larger than that of the end sections. Another embodiment of sleeve coupling comprises an inwardly tapered downstream end section, a generally cylindrical upstream end portion closely surrounding the upstream pipe section and an intervening tapered section of relatively steep slope on which the end of the upstream pipe section abuts. The cylindrical end portion is adapted to be sealed by an annular seal to the upstream pipe section. Another embodiment of sleeve coupling is similar to the previously described one except that a wear sleeve is secured inside the coupling sleeve at the intervening tapered section for resisting wear due to effluent abrasion on the coupling itself.