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

Sharing scenes with the other principal characters, intense or sensitive as the moment requires, Alice is the hub around whom the series revolves and hurtles forward. — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026

And the Sky have never truly existed without a center of gravity around which to revolve. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

The umbrella Biennale organization oversees not just the Venice Film Festival but revolving exhibitions on art, architecture, dance, music and theatre. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026

Law & Order is known for its revolving cast, with changes between seasons an annual occurrence. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 22 July 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