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

• pivot
• revolve
• roll
• rotate
• spin
• swing
• swirl
• turn
• twirl
• twist
• wheel
• whirl

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

Her secrets collide with Julian's own in a match that will keep your head on a swivel through the very end. —Lizz Schumer, People.com, 1 May 2025

Trump’s tariffs have kept much of the world’s collective heads on a swivel. —Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2025

Verb

In the bond market, Treasury yields swiveled following Thursday’s economic reports. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025

And similar to the footrest, the cupholders can be swiveled in and out from under the arms. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 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