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
Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025
According to users, its 360-degree swivel head easily maneuvers in hard-to-reach spots such as the stove, under the couch, and behind the fridge.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
The 11-second video swivels the viewer through a house, past a tiny man in a suit, and into a bathroom, where a man's menacing head launches out from the drain of the toilet and vamps for the implied camera.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for swivel
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Noun
The 360-degree swivel base adds functionality, while the velvet upholstery brings a hint of drama.
—Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025
According to users, its 360-degree swivel head easily maneuvers in hard-to-reach spots such as the stove, under the couch, and behind the fridge.
—Toni Sutton, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
And then, just like the wartime industries of L.A., the peacetime ports swiveled to more commercial operations.
—Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
The 11-second video swivels the viewer through a house, past a tiny man in a suit, and into a bathroom, where a man's menacing head launches out from the drain of the toilet and vamps for the implied camera.
—Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for swivel
Cite this Entry
“Swivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swivel. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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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