revolve

verb

re·​volve ri-ˈvälv 

-ˈvȯlv

also -ˈväv

or -ˈvȯv

revolved; revolving

transitive verb

1

a

: rotate sense 1

The software allows you to revolve images.

b

obsolete : to cause to go round in an orbit

2

: to turn over at length in the mind : ponder

revolve a scheme

intransitive verb

1

a

: to move in a curved path round a center or axis

b

: to turn or roll round on an axis

2

: to have or come to a specified focus : center

—usually used with around

the dispute revolved around wages

3

: recur

4

a

: to ponder something

b

: to remain under consideration

ideas revolved in his mind

revolvable

ri-ˈväl-və-bəl 

-ˈvȯl-

also -ˈvä-və-

or -ˈvȯ-və-

adjective

Synonyms of revolve

• rotate
• turn
• swing
• spin
• twist
• twirl
• swirl

Examples of revolve in a Sentence

As the gear revolves, it turns the other gears.

The Earth revolves on its axis.

The software allows you to revolve images.

Recent Examples on the Web

While the Broadway production was presented on a huge, revolving set, this intimate black-box staging will focus on the language and storytelling in the script. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

The 28-year-old is loquacious and engaging, the ideal traits for someone around whom a team revolves. —Maria Torres, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2026

Apple has long had a more closed software ecosystem, especially on iOS, which continues to revolve mainly around Apple’s own app store. —Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 Mar. 2026

Its largest shareholder, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, has also changed its investment strategy in the company from capital investment to revolving credit. —Michael Wayland, CNBC, 12 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English revolven "to pass (of time), wind round, roll," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French revolver "to turn, turn over (in the mind)," borrowed from Latin revolvere "to roll back to a starting point, bring back round, (passive) travel in a circular course, return to a starting point," from re- re- + volvere "to set in a circular course, cause to roll, bring round" — more at wallow entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 21

Phrases Containing revolve

• revolve around

Rhymes for revolve

• absolve
• devolve
• dissolve
• evolve
• involve
• resolve
• solve

Kids Definition

revolve

verb

re·​volve ri-ˈvälv 

-ˈvȯlv

revolved; revolving

1

: to think over carefully

2

a

: to move in an orbit

b

: to turn on or as if on an axis : rotate

3

: recur sense 3

4

: to have as a main point

the argument revolved around wages

revolvable

-ˈväl-və-bəl 

-ˈvȯl-

adjective

Etymology

Middle English revolven "to turn over in the mind, cause to go around (on an axis)," from Latin revolvere "to roll back, cause to return," from re- "back, again" and volvere "to roll" — related to volume see Word History at volume