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

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

Level up your late nights at the computer with 40% off a task lamp that features a swivel arm, dual charging ports, and an adjustable shade. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 16 Sep. 2025

Someone coughs off-screen, making the camera swivel to the drive-thru window. —Sabrina Weiss, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025

Verb

Initial pictures also show a pair of seat belts on the swiveling front-facing rear bench, so you there ought to be two sleeping berths to accommodate those two extra people. —New Atlas, 23 Sep. 2025

The mantis arches above the grass, head swiveled impossibly. —Matthew Shen Goodman, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 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