rivet

1 of 2

noun

riv·​et ˈri-vət 

: a headed pin or bolt of metal used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head

rivet

2 of 2

verb

riveted; riveting; rivets

transitive verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with rivets

2

: to upset the end or point of (something, such as a metallic pin, rod, or bolt) by beating or pressing so as to form a head

3

: to fasten or fix firmly

stood riveted by fright

4

: to attract and hold (something, such as a person's attention) completely

riveter noun

Synonyms

Verb

• center
• concentrate
• fasten
• focus
• train

Examples of rivet in a Sentence

Verb

The iron plates are riveted rather than welded.

everyone riveted their eyes on the trick that the magician was performing on stage

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

To repair the rivets, workers had to remove the plug, which included removing the four bolts that kept it in place. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 6 Feb. 2024

Further enhancing this yellow gold bracelet is Tudor removing the polarizing faux rivets from the links, which smooths things out in the most satisfying way. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 16 May 2024

Verb

Thirty women soldiers stand behind them, many with eyes riveted skyward for incoming artillery. —Elizabeth Cobbs / Made By History, TIME, 19 June 2024

During the next five weeks, fans the world over will be riveted (and distracted from work) as the most famous names in the game play for national pride and build toward the two tournaments’ July 14 championship matches. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, clinch on a nail, rivet, from Old French, from river to attach, rivet, probably from rive border, edge, bank, from Latin ripa

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

rivet

1 of 2 noun

riv·​et ˈriv-ət 

: a metal bolt with a head at one end used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head

rivet

2 of 2 verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with rivets

2

: to attract and hold (as one's attention) completely

riveter noun