often attributive
: a device joining two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (as on a bolt or pin)
swiveled or swivelled; swiveling or swivelling
ˈswi-və-liŋ 
ˈswiv-liŋ
: to turn on or as if on a swivel
swiveled his eyes in various directions
: to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel
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
Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
The in-hand feel, to the way the screen swivels from vertical to landscape orientation, works just like the DJI Pocket 3.
—Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
To enable long-term target observation, the drone is equipped with a 360-degree swiveling nose gimbal that provides frontline forces with comprehensive situational awareness.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for swivel
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Noun
That's a major 45% price cut on an advanced floor care system packing Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, an 11-foot extendable hose, and active swivel steering.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 12 June 2026
The in-hand feel, to the way the screen swivels from vertical to landscape orientation, works just like the DJI Pocket 3.
—Ben Sin, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
Verb
Each tier has a mesh bottom for airflow and mesh straps to keep sweaters from blowing off on windy days, and the swiveling hook can be locked into place over clotheslines or drying racks to stay put in the breeze.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
To enable long-term target observation, the drone is equipped with a 360-degree swiveling nose gimbal that provides frontline forces with comprehensive situational awareness.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for swivel
Cite this Entry
“Swivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swivel. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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