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
Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
The second room is the dining room-cum-bedroom in front, which includes the bench, two swivel driver's cab seats and a removable dining table.
—New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2026
Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2026
One of the most consequential artists of her generation, Selena revolutionized Latin music with her tejano twist on norteño music and hip-swiveling techno-cumbias that showcased her versatility.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swivel
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Noun
The oversized armrests, soft curves, and swivel function culminate in a piece that makes even casual lounging look like an Instagrammable moment.
—Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 21 Jan. 2026
The second room is the dining room-cum-bedroom in front, which includes the bench, two swivel driver's cab seats and a removable dining table.
—New Atlas, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
The wheels swivel and can lock in place, while the cart can hold a total of 124 pounds.
—Brittany Vanderbill, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Jan. 2026
One of the most consequential artists of her generation, Selena revolutionized Latin music with her tejano twist on norteño music and hip-swiveling techno-cumbias that showcased her versatility.
—Tere Aguilera, Billboard, 16 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swivel
Cite this Entry
“Swivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swivel. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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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