plural rivets
: a special kind of metal bolt or pin that is used to hold pieces of metal together
rivets; riveted; riveting
1
: to attract and hold all of someone's attention
—usually used as (be) riveted
I was riveted by her story. [=her story was so interesting that I was giving all of my attention to it]
All eyes were riveted on her as she walked past. [=everyone watched her as she walked past]
the kind of performance that keeps an audience riveted
2
: to make (someone) unable to move because of fear, shock, etc.
—usually used as (be) riveted
He was riveted to the spot with fright/amazement.
She stood riveted in place, staring straight ahead.
3
: to fasten (something) with rivets
The iron plates are riveted rather than welded.
Cite this Entry
“Rivet.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/rivet. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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