rivet

1 of 3

noun (1)

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 3

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

riveter

3 of 3

noun (2)

riv·​et·​er

variants or less commonly rivetter

-ə̇tə(r), 

-ə̇tə-

plural -s

1

: a worker who inserts and upsets rivets by hand or by machine

2

: a riveting machine

Synonyms of rivet

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

Each jean has durable ecru twill pocket lining, copper rivets and Hiut’s signature red owl rivet on the left back pocket. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 8 June 2026

On top of that, the bodywork is a central cover bolted down with rivet-type fasteners. —Utkarsh Sood june 05, New Atlas, 5 June 2026

Verb

The biggest news going into the second week of this year’s riveting French Open? —Corey Seymour, Vogue, 1 June 2026

The decision marks the latest twist in the sprawling Murdaugh saga that has riveted the public and spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts and best-selling books. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 15 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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 (1)

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