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

On the starboard side lies a custom wine cellar, while forward are two guest cabins, one VIP, and an owner’s suite with a rotating bed that swivels to create more space in the dressing room and en suite. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2026

For a set that feels like a true lounging experience, this swivel glider rocker set is an easy yes. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Apr. 2026

Verb

Our guide in Moscow, Tanya, was a middle-aged woman who wore thick glasses plucked from a swiveling Optika stand at a Metro station. —Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026

As an alternative, Pottery Barn’s Huntington collection has a rounded, swiveling daybed with the same wicker material. —Blake Bakkila, Architectural Digest, 1 Apr. 2026

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