rivet

1 of 2

noun

riv·​et ˈri-vət 

: a headed pin or bolt of metal used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head

rivet

2 of 2

verb

riveted; riveting; rivets

transitive verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with rivets

2

: to upset the end or point of (something, such as a metallic pin, rod, or bolt) by beating or pressing so as to form a head

3

: to fasten or fix firmly

stood riveted by fright

4

: to attract and hold (something, such as a person's attention) completely

riveter noun

Synonyms

Verb

• center
• concentrate
• fasten
• focus
• train

Examples of rivet in a Sentence

Verb

The iron plates are riveted rather than welded.

everyone riveted their eyes on the trick that the magician was performing on stage

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Made from breathable cotton terry fabric that is ultra-soft on the inside, Miramar is distinguishable by hyper realistic denim prints designed to capture every detail of classic jeans, from distressing and fading to tiny stitches and rivet. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 28 Apr. 2025

These images were then transformed into a full-scale digital twin of the Titanic, accurate down to individual rivets. —David Muir, ABC News, 9 Apr. 2025

Verb

She was riveted by his stories and photos from the final days and hours of U.S. engagement in Vietnam. —Jennifer Brookland, Mercury News, 27 Apr. 2025

Their love interests also showcase the differences between the identical twins: Smoke’s former love is Annie (a wise, raw, and riveting Wunmi Mosaku), a spiritual medicine woman still reeling from the grief of losing their infant child, whose potions and hoodoo knowledge come in handy later. —Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, clinch on a nail, rivet, from Old French, from river to attach, rivet, probably from rive border, edge, bank, from Latin ripa

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for rivet

• civet
• pivot
• privet

Kids Definition

rivet

1 of 2 noun

riv·​et ˈriv-ət 

: a metal bolt with a head at one end used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head

rivet

2 of 2 verb

1

: to fasten with or as if with rivets

2

: to attract and hold (as one's attention) completely

riveter noun