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

• focus
• concentrate

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

Complete with a trolley sleeve and protective metal rivets at the bottom, this tote is perfect for commuting and business trips alike. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 5 July 2025

Pieces from the capsules feature camouflage, shimmering fabrics, floral embroidery, rhinestones, rivets and unexpected silhouettes, all crafted with beach days, poolside hangs and party nights in mind. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 July 2025

Verb

But what struck the Royals’ National Baseball Hall of Famer most was how riveted everyone else was. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 3 June 2025

Brian Regan Shubert Theatre, 247 College St., New Haven A smart, risk-taking stand-up star who mixes casual observations on everyday life with abrupt absurd fantasies, Brian Regan keeps audiences riveted. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025

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

Rhymes for rivet

• civet
• pivot
• privet

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