swivel

[ swiv-uhl ]

noun

1. a fastening device that allows the thing fastened to turn around freely upon it, especially to turn in a full circle.
2. such a device consisting of two parts, each of which turns around independently, as a compound link of a chain, one part of which turns freely in the other by means of a headed pin or the like.
3. a pivoted support allowing a gun to turn around in a horizontal plane.
4. a swivel gun.
5. a device attached to a loom and used as a shuttle to weave extra threads in the production of small figures, especially dots.

verb (used with object)

, swiv·eled, swiv·el·ing or (especially British) swiv·elled, swiv·el·ling.

1. to turn or pivot on or as if on a swivel:

   He swiveled his chair around.

2. to fasten by a swivel; furnish with a swivel.

verb (used without object)

, swiv·eled, swiv·el·ing or (especially British) swiv·elled, swiv·el·ling.

1. to turn on or if as on a swivel.

swivel

/ ˈswɪvəl /

noun

1. a coupling device which allows an attached object to turn freely
2. such a device made of two parts which turn independently, such as a compound link of a chain
3. 1. a pivot on which is mounted a gun that may be swung from side to side in a horizontal plane
   2. Also calledswivel gun the gun itself

verb

1. to turn or swing on or as if on a pivot
2. tr to provide with, secure by, or support with a swivel

Derived Forms

• ˈswivel-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• swivel·like adjective
• un·swivel verb (used with object) unswiveled unswiveling or (especially British) unswivelled unswivelling

Word History and Origins

Origin of swivel¹

1275–1325; Middle English (noun), equivalent to swiv- (weak stem of Old English swīfan to revolve; cognate with Old Norse svīfa to turn) + -el instrumental suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of swivel¹

C14: from Old English swīfan to turn; see swift

Example Sentences

It is designed with a non-slip handle, an easy “open” button for the lid, and a 360-degree swivel base that will assist your pour.

From Popular-Science

It comes in a huge variety of colors and has a lockable 36-inch swivel cord that’s designed for ease of movement in your busy food workspace.

From Popular-Science

Once the base is attached, you adjust the swivel plate to face the direction you want, then you mount a second, superthin magnet to the back of your phone or phone case.

From Outside Online

On top of the base is a small plastic swivel plate with a magnet.

From Outside Online

The magnet on your phone then attaches to the magnetic swivel plate, and you’re done.

From Outside Online

How refreshing it was to see England players swivel and dribble and sell dummies.

From The Daily Beast

He sat before a wall full of badges, in a big swivel chair, his bovine features set in mistrustful concentration.

From The Daily Beast

Swivel Store Spice Rack  Okay, so this is an As Seen On Television product.

From The Daily Beast

He sits, leans back in his swivel chair and begins to discuss his SATC character, Aleksandr Petrovsky.

From The Daily Beast

Ward sat back in his swivel chair, hooked his thumbs into the arm holes of his vest and beamed.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the swivel guns was fired, and then came a whole broadside, sending its balls hurtling over the crowded deck of the sloop.

From Project Gutenberg

Also Crozier's evidence was expected to be sensational, and to prove the swivel on which the fate of the accused man would hang.

From Project Gutenberg

They were of elm, with lignum vit roller sheaves, and were bound inside with iron, and had swivel eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

She dropped her check book into a drawer and swung round in her swivel chair until she faced him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pivot
• revolve
• rotate
• swing around
• whirl