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
Sarah Nurse, who started the season on a line with Daniel, said her head is constantly on a swivel, reading plays and finding ways to get her teammates the puck in scoring positions. Hailey Salvian, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024 The interior features swivel seats sourced from a 1970s motor home, providing comfort and style, while the panoramic windows offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 16 Sep. 2024
Verb
Bernardo Silva put his hands on his head and swivelled in the same direction in disbelief. Elias Burke, The Athletic, 4 Jan. 2025 With its distinctive winglets and sleek exterior lines, the interior cabin—measuring 17.8 feet in length and 4.8 feet in height—showcases two-toned executive leather seats that articulate and swivel, as well as in-cabin, speaker-less audio. Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 26 Dec. 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

Dictionary Entries Near swivel

Cite this Entry

“Swivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swivel. Accessed 15 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!