Definition of pivot
1 : a shaft or pin on which something turns
2a : a person, thing, or factor having a major or central role, function, or effectb : a key player or position; specifically : an offensive position of a basketball player standing usually with back to the basket to relay passes, shoot, or provide a screen for teammates
3 : the action of pivoting; especially : the action in basketball of stepping with one foot while keeping the other foot at its point of contact with the floor
Explore Merriam-Webster
Examples of pivot in a Sentence
an issue that is the real pivot of the controversy
Recent Examples of pivot from the Web
-
This type of story is emblematic of Baldwin & Lyons’ company culture, which Page explained pivots around five core principles: Being a team player, open and honest communication, trust and support, hard work and adaptability.
-
For a swing, there are two fixed points: one with the swing hanging directly down, and a second with it vertical, above the pivot point.
-
His game is still clear-out pivots and bump-back post-ups, simply established more quickly within the offense than in years past. 21.
-
Dan Fleser/News Sentinel Diamond DeShields' final act for the Tennessee women's basketball team was a stunning reverse pivot.
-
Dan Fleser/News Sentinel Diamond DeShields' final act for the Tennessee women's basketball team was a stunning reverse pivot.
-
Splintered Court The gerrymandering issue has splintered the Supreme Court in the past, most recently in a 2004 ruling that left Justice Anthony Kennedy as the court’s pivot point.
-
Splintered Court The gerrymandering issue has splintered the Supreme Court in the past, most recently in a 2004 ruling that left Justice Anthony Kennedy as the court’s pivot point.
-
The issue has splintered the Supreme Court in the past, most recently in a 2004 ruling that left Justice Anthony Kennedy as the court's pivot point.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pivot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of pivot
French
Other Mechanical Engineering Terms
First Known Use of pivot
1796
pivot
Definition of pivot
intransitive verb
: to turn on or as if on a pivot
transitive verb
1 : to provide with, mount on, or attach by a pivot
2 : to cause to pivot
Examples of pivot in a Sentence
The dancers pivoted on their toes and changed direction.
The door hinge pivots around the pin.
The quarterback pivoted and threw the ball to the running back.
Recent Examples of pivot from the Web
-
In the days since Iraq declared victory in Mosul on July 10—even as fighting persisted in pockets of the city—the discussion pivoted toward reconstruction.
-
Brown, a basketball player, is thinking of pivoting to football because of Short.
-
The acquisition, announced on Thursday, will bring together two companies that have long sold items such as jewelry, clothing, and electronics on television but have more recently pivoted more toward e-commerce and some stores.
-
But Ding pivoted and found a wide-open Motley, who calmly drained the winner.
-
And then, finally, Trump pivots back again to Obama’s failure to act:
-
After releasing a couple of albums surveying the tundra of postpunk—full of wide-open spaces, instrumental lunges, and feral howls—Beijing three-piece Re-Tros are pivoting toward a minimalism that draws people in rather than making them scurry away.
-
Some have pivoted to call-in events, where there’s no threat of moments caught on video going viral.
-
The commission then pivoted to the post-parade block party and concert.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pivot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of pivot
1841
PIVOT Defined for English Language Learners
pivot
playDefinition of pivot for English Language Learners
-
: a pin or shaft on which a mechanical part turns
-
: the action of turning around a point : the action of pivoting
-
: a person or thing that is central or important to someone or something else
pivot
Definition of pivot for English Language Learners
-
: to turn on or around a central point
PIVOT Defined for Kids
Definition of pivot for Students
1 : a shaft or pin with a pointed end on which something turns
2 : the action or an instance of turning around on a point
Definition of pivot for Students
pivoted
;pivoting
: to turn on or as if on a pivot : turn around on a central point pivot on one foot
Medical Dictionary
pivot
playMedical Definition of pivot
: a usually metallic pin holding an artificial crown to the root of a tooth
Learn More about pivot
-
See words that rhyme with pivot Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pivot Spanish Central: Translation of pivot Nglish: Translation of pivot for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pivot for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up pivot? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!