rivet

noun

riv·et | \ ˈri-vət

Definition of rivet

(Entry 1 of 2)

: 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

verb

riveted; riveting; rivets

Definition of rivet (Entry 2 of 2)

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

Other Words from rivet Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about rivet

Keep scrolling for more

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

Bruce Watkins , left, and John Davisson, right, rivet side panels at the Airstream production facility. — John D. Stoll, WSJ, "Humans Are Winning the Battle With Robots," 1 Nov. 2018 The whole chassis, Pakbaz says, calls for 610 rivets, 730 washers, 644 nuts and 964 mechanical fasteners. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Painting a Mars Rover Is Even More Complicated Than You'd Think," 11 Oct. 2018 However, if food gets stuck around the rivets, some additional scrubbing could be necessary. — The Good Housekeeping Institute, Good Housekeeping, "Anolon Authority Nonstick," 30 June 2016 In 1873, Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis created what would become the first pair of blue jeans, crafted from denim with metal rivets. — Cassie Shortsleeve, Popular Mechanics, "How 5 Everyday Products Have Changed Through the Ages," 10 Dec. 2018 Without room to move, zippers and rivets can snag and stitching can break. — Lauren Smith, Good Housekeeping, "How to Wash Jeans the Right Way — And Mistakes You Might Be Making," 30 Nov. 2017 This is repeated over 3,000 times and does not count rivet and fastener applications. — David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, "Painting a Mars Rover Is Even More Complicated Than You'd Think," 11 Oct. 2018 From zippers and rivets on jackets and jeans to the minerals used in iPhones, China makes or processes many of the ingredients that go into today’s consumer goods. — Alexandra Stevenson, The Seattle Times, "Trump’s tariffs may hurt as trade war worsens, but quitting China is hard to do. Why other countries can’t fill the bill.," 24 Sep. 2018 The final design called for 18,000 pieces of puddle iron and an incredible 2.5 million rivets. — Lauren Smith, House Beautiful, "12 Things You Didn't Know About the Eiffel Tower," 8 Oct. 2015

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The next step was to raise it to the topmost arch, where it would be riveted into place. — Jonathan Schifman, Popular Mechanics, "A Friendship Turned to Rivalry. A Feud That Changed the New York Skyline.," 27 Mar. 2019 Her death riveted the country and, sensing the national mood, de Becker turned his attention to stalkers. — Ben Widdicombe, Town & Country, "What Does Gavin de Becker Actually Do for Jeff Bezos?," 8 Feb. 2019 The search and rescue operation has riveted people both in Thailand and internationally, with journalists from across the globe traveling to this town along the border with Myanmar to report on the ordeal. — Kaweewit Kaewjinda And Stephen Wright, chicagotribune.com, "Rescue of remaining 4 boys, coach from flooded Thai cave could take two operations," 9 July 2018 The shadings of his voice and the depth of emotions reflected in his eyes rivet the audience’s attention. The cop seeks to reassure the frightened woman. — Soren Andersen, The Seattle Times, "‘The Guilty’: Abduction drama focuses on one cop — and one riveting performance," 16 Oct. 2018 Throw in all the twists and turns as journalists dig into the matter and the testimony that will rivet the nation next week under the glare of television lights. — Howard Kurtz, Fox News, "The moral and political dilemma created by Kavanaugh's accuser," 18 Sep. 2018 Know Your Weapons Although Jackson doesn’t dwell on technical specifications, there’s enough coverage of World War I armaments to keep gear enthusiasts riveted. — Chuck Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "What You Need To Know Before Watching "They Shall Not Grow Old"," 28 Dec. 2018 Here are some of the races riveting the nation’s attention. — Lynn Yaeger, Vogue, "The Midterm Elections Are Almost Here—What You Need to Know Now," 5 Nov. 2018 Despite the camper’s small size, the Interstate Nineteen still includes a wet bath with toilet, one-piece shower, sink, mirror, a retractable clothes line, and a cute riveted aluminum porthole door. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Airstream debuts new compact luxury camper van," 4 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rivet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.