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

Instead of getting a lump sum, a HELOC offers a revolving line of credit that can be used as needed during a borrowing period, usually five to 10 years. —Kevin Cerveny, Kansas City Star, 15 June 2026

The third part of United’s debt is their revolving credit facility (RCF), which can be thought of as a bank overdraft that allows the club to borrow cash and pay it back as and when necessary. —Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 13 June 2026

Nuuly, which was founded in 2019, is just one of the many clothing-rental services encouraging young women to opt out of actually buying clothes and instead subscribe to a revolving closet. —Annie Joy Williams, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Amid the bigger picture — of which there are many at the moment — Keshad Johnson stands as a reminder that this also is a time of year when the NBA’s small stuff has to be revolved. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 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