1. Quizzes & Games
  2. Word of the Day
  3. Video
  4. New Words
 

swivel
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.


1swiv·el

noun, often attributive \ˈswi-vəl\

Definition of SWIVEL

: a device joining two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (as on a bolt or pin)
See swivel defined for English-language learners »
See swivel defined for kids »

Examples of SWIVEL

  1. The gun was mounted on a swivel.

Origin of SWIVEL

Middle English; akin to Old English swīfan to revolve, Old High German swebōn to roll, heave
First Known Use: 14th century

Other Hardware Terms

adze, auger, awl, chock, ferrule, punch, tang

Rhymes with SWIVEL

civil, drivel, shrivel, snivel

2swivel

verb
swiveled or swivelledswivel·ing or swivel·ling \ˈswi-və-liŋ, ˈswiv-liŋ\

Definition of SWIVEL

transitive verb
: to turn on or as if on a swivel <swiveled his eyes in various directions>
intransitive verb
: to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel
See swivel defined for English-language learners »

Examples of SWIVEL

  1. She swiveled in her seat to check the time.
  2. She swiveled the chair around to face us.

First Known Use of SWIVEL

1775

Related to SWIVEL

Synonyms
pivot, revolve, roll, rotate, spin, swing, swirl, turn, twirl, twist, wheel, whirl

Rhymes with SWIVEL

drivel, snivel

Learn More About SWIVEL

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: swivel bridge
Previous Word in the Dictionary: swive
All Words Near: swivel

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up swivel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Name That Thing

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Get Our Free Apps
Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More
iPhone | iPad | Android | More
Join Us on FB & Twitter
Get the Word of the Day and More
Facebook | Twitter