rivet

1 of 2

noun

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 2

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

Synonyms

Verb

• center
• concentrate
• fasten
• focus
• train

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

The wood of the vessel, at the famed site called Sutton Hoo, has rotted away, but iron rivets and impressions within the soft dirt reveal its span. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 13 July 2024

His mom was a teacher, and his dad helped run the family’s rivet factory. —Joshua Lott, Washington Post, 8 July 2024

Verb

Like most soccer fans around the world, Inter Miami coach Tata Martino was riveted by Argentina’s dramatic quarterfinal win in penalty kicks over Ecuador in Copa America on Thursday night and Spain’s quarterfinal win over Germany in extra time Friday in the European championships. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 5 July 2024

But they're riveted to other rates that hit their wallets. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 12 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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