swivel

1 of 2

noun

swiv·​el ˈswi-vəl 

often attributive

: a device joining two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (as on a bolt or pin)

swivel

2 of 2

verb

swiveled or swivelled; swiveling or swivelling ˈswi-və-liŋ 

ˈswiv-liŋ

transitive verb

: to turn on or as if on a swivel

swiveled his eyes in various directions

intransitive verb

: to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel

Synonyms of swivel

Verb

• rotate
• swing
• turn
• spin
• twist
• twirl
• pivot
• swirl

Examples of swivel in a Sentence

Noun

The gun was mounted on a swivel.

Verb

She swiveled in her seat to check the time.

She swiveled the chair around to face us.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The chair even rocks back and forth and swivels 360 degrees as well. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Nov. 2025

Cherki is unique but plays with a blend of Samir Nasri’s swivel hips and Dimitri Payet’s ball striking. —Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025

Verb

The seat can even be swiveled outward toward the door opening to make access easier. —New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2025

Sweeney doubled over with laughter at the bit and so did the members of her group, including Braun, while many Laugh Factory guests swiveled their heads in her direction to gauge her reaction. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English; akin to Old English swīfan to revolve, Old High German swebōn to roll, heave

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1775, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing swivel

• swivel chair
• swivel-hipped

Rhymes for swivel

• civil
• divil
• drivel
• shrivel
• uncivil

Kids Definition

swivel

1 of 2 noun

swiv·​el ˈswiv-əl 

: a device joining two parts so that one or both can turn freely

swivel

2 of 2 verb

swiveled or swivelled; swiveling or swivelling

ˈswiv-(ə-)liŋ

: to turn on or as if on a swivel