swivel

1 of 2

noun

swiv·​el ˈswi-vəl How to pronounce swivel (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of swivelnext
: 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 How to pronounce swivel (audio)
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

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
An available 32-in smart swivel TV provides some sizable screen space. —New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2024 Flatware Southerners love setting a table, so keep your head on a swivel for beautiful flatware. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024
Verb
Treasury yields swiveled up and down several times following the reports before climbing. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2024 Treasury yields swiveled up and down several times following the reports before moving lower. —Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for swivel 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of swivel was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing swivel

Dictionary Entries Near swivel

swive

swivel

swivel bridge

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Swivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swivel. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

swivel

1 of 2 noun
swiv·​el ˈswiv-əl How to pronounce swivel (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on swivel

Nglish: Translation of swivel for Spanish Speakers

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