often attributive
: a device joining two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (as on a bolt or pin)
swiveled or swivelled; swiveling or swivelling
ˈswi-və-liŋ 
ˈswiv-liŋ
: to turn on or as if on a swivel
swiveled his eyes in various directions
: to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel
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
Christopher Murray, Fox News, 10 Feb. 2025
The low-profile triangular swivel mop head is ideal for sliding into tricky-to-reach nooks and crannies.
—Maria Conti, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025
Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Rather than a normal back seat and trunk, the popemobile features three rear seats, one more elevated and capable of swiveling in the center for the pontiff.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swivel
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Noun
The front swivel wheels make navigating busy streets and trails easy and the sun canopy helps protect your baby during sunny walks.
—Christopher Murray, Fox News, 10 Feb. 2025
The low-profile triangular swivel mop head is ideal for sliding into tricky-to-reach nooks and crannies.
—Maria Conti, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
Indexes swiveled repeatedly through the day, and the Dow briefly climbed as many as 400 points on hopes that the United States and China may be making the first moves toward a trade deal that could protect the global economy.
—Damian J. Troise, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025
Rather than a normal back seat and trunk, the popemobile features three rear seats, one more elevated and capable of swiveling in the center for the pontiff.
—Greta Cross, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swivel
Cite this Entry
“Swivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swivel. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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