swivel

1 of 2

noun

swiv·​el ˈswi-vəl 

often attributive

: a device joining two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (as on a bolt or pin)

swivel

2 of 2

verb

swiveled or swivelled; swiveling or swivelling ˈswi-və-liŋ 

ˈswiv-liŋ

transitive verb

: to turn on or as if on a swivel

swiveled his eyes in various directions

intransitive verb

: to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel

Synonyms

Verb

• pivot
• revolve
• roll
• rotate
• spin
• swing
• swirl
• turn
• twirl
• twist
• wheel
• whirl

Examples of swivel in a Sentence

Noun

The gun was mounted on a swivel.

Verb

She swiveled in her seat to check the time.

She swiveled the chair around to face us.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This spacious seat sits on a 360-degree swivel base and comes with three plush matching pillows. —Rachel Trujillo, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2024

Best Martha Stewart Deals at Wayfair Overall Martha Stewart’s brand has cookware, furniture, and decor, like the customer-favorite swivel armchair and gold wall mirror that are included in the early sale. —Kelsey Fredricks, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

Verb

Leo Etienne swivels back and forth in his chair behind a faux wooden desk in a cramped office. —Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

Judge Wiley swivelled in his leather chair toward the sixteen jurors seated in his jury box. —Adam Iscoe, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English; akin to Old English swīfan to revolve, Old High German swebōn to roll, heave

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1775, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing swivel

• swivel chair
• swivel-hipped

Kids Definition

swivel

1 of 2 noun

swiv·​el ˈswiv-əl 

: a device joining two parts so that one or both can turn freely

swivel

2 of 2 verb

swiveled or swivelled; swiveling or swivelling

ˈswiv-(ə-)liŋ

: to turn on or as if on a swivel