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

Ed Cooley’s head was on a swivel during the national anthem Saturday night, surveying the crowd at Gampel Pavilion. —Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026

The two cushioned benches work together with the removable swivel table to furnish interior dining, providing a great option in cold or inclement weather in which eating outside proves less than ideal. —New Atlas, 13 Feb. 2026

Verb

Eyes are swiveling to Six Senses London at The Whiteley. —Jane Alexander, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Feb. 2026

The laser swiveled as its cameras followed the target. —Simon Shuster, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 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