swivel
a fastening device that allows the thing fastened to turn around freely upon it, especially to turn in a full circle.
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.
a pivoted support allowing a gun to turn around in a horizontal plane.
a swivel gun.
a device attached to a loom and used as a shuttle to weave extra threads in the production of small figures, especially dots.
to turn or pivot on or as if on a swivel: He swiveled his chair around.
to fasten by a swivel; furnish with a swivel.
to turn on or if as on a swivel.
Origin of swivel
1Other words from swivel
- swiv·el·like, adjective
- un·swiv·el, verb (used with object), un·swiv·eled, un·swiv·el·ing or (especially British) un·swiv·elled, un·swiv·el·ling.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use swivel in a sentence
The change in the sound due to the whirling motion of the whistle might be called a swivelling whistle.
Ontario Teachers' Manuals: Literature | Ontario Ministry of EducationHe sat down quite as though intent upon testing the smoothness of the swivelling and the depth and comfort of the upholstery.
In Jeopardy | Van Tassel SutphenThen the swivelling axle wasn't altogether a brilliant success.
King of Ranleigh | F. S. (Frederick Sadlier) BreretonShe struck the steamer's plates, but did not stop, and in a few moments the swivelling davits dropped her on the skids.
Kit Musgrave's Luck | Harold BindlossBoth of us kept up a heavy fire, swivelling our guns round, so as not to neglect any one.
Ned Myers | James Fenimore Cooper
British Dictionary definitions for swivel
/ (ˈswɪvəl) /
a coupling device which allows an attached object to turn freely
such a device made of two parts which turn independently, such as a compound link of a chain
a pivot on which is mounted a gun that may be swung from side to side in a horizontal plane
Also called: swivel gun the gun itself
to turn or swing on or as if on a pivot
(tr) to provide with, secure by, or support with a swivel
Origin of swivel
1Derived forms of swivel
- swivel-like, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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