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
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2025
The stylish design comes in four color options to fit nearly any space, while the 360-degree swivel feature allows for quiet, seamless movement.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
In addition to a swiveling driver and passenger seat, the two-seat rear bench swivels to face forward or face the passenger side.
—New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swivel
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Noun
Think about swivel seating, ottomans, or other moveable seating ideas that can allow for effortlessly changing the view point between the fireplace or TV depending on the day, the season, or the hour.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2025
The stylish design comes in four color options to fit nearly any space, while the 360-degree swivel feature allows for quiet, seamless movement.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Verb
Easy to stash in a purse or beach bag, the stick swivels up so no sharpening is required—nor is a brush.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 18 Mar. 2025
In addition to a swiveling driver and passenger seat, the two-seat rear bench swivels to face forward or face the passenger side.
—New Atlas, 12 Mar. 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 23 Mar. 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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