swivel

1 of 2

noun

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

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
The mop swivels left, right, up, and down and is flexible, with a push button on the handle to release more spray if and when needed. Lauren Finney Harden, Southern Living, 12 Jan. 2025 Included in that markdown is the Lillian Birdcage Chair, which sits on a swivel for added versatility and is discounted in the cream linen material. Rachel Trujillo, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
This exercise bike offers streaming services comparable to Peloton and Nordic (though not quite as dynamic) and also features a 24-inch curved HD touchscreen that swivels for easy viewing during your workouts. Jennifer Shanker, Flow Space, 16 Jan. 2025 Thirty new holes have been created specifically to challenge golf’s best, each culminating in a real-world green area that swivels and oscillates to set up distinct surfaces. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 3 Jan. 2025 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

Dictionary Entries Near swivel

Cite this Entry

“Swivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swivel. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!