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

These included with rivets but also mobile half-circle elements nodding to handles. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 27 May 2025

Davis designed a denim pant that was reinforced with metal rivets at points of strain, like the pocket corners and the button fly. —Catherine Salfino, Sourcing Journal, 8 May 2025

Verb

Then Stuart Heritage reports on the family drama that’s riveted the U.K. —Air Mail, 17 May 2025

The footage shown at CinemaCon riveted the room of exhibitors. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 5 June 2025

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

Rhymes for rivet

• civet
• pivot
• privet

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