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 of rivet

Verb

• focus
• concentrate

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

Vivolo’s specialty is in creating fabric labels, back patches, rivets, hangtags, patches and more with minimal environmental impact, utilizing materials that are organic, recycled, recyclable, compostable, vegan, animal free and solvent free. —Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2026

What impressed me most was to walk under the ship out of the water, see the rivets and the seams, and look straight up the bow. —Carl Nolte, San Francisco Chronicle, 21 Mar. 2026

Verb

The trial The trial began in September 2024 and riveted the country. —Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 2026

The Bravo community is riveted by the latest scandal, which partly stems from Batula announcing her separation from Cooke in January. —Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2026

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