revolve

American  

[ri-volv] / rɪˈvɒlv /

verb (used without object)

revolved, revolving

1. to move in a circular or curving course or orbit.

   The earth revolves around the sun.

   Synonyms:

   circle, orbit

2. to turn around or rotate, as on an axis.

   The wheel revolves slowly.

3. to proceed or occur in a round or cycle; come around again in the process of time; recur.

4. to be revolved in the mind.

5. to focus or center on.

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verb (used with object)

revolved, revolving

1. to cause to turn around, as on an axis.

2. to cause to move in a circular or curving course, as about a central point.

3. to think about; consider.

   Synonyms:

   study, ponder

revolve British  

/ rɪˈvɒlv /

verb

1. to move or cause to move around a centre or axis; rotate

2. (intr) to occur periodically or in cycles

3. to consider or be considered

4. (intr; foll by around or about) to be centred or focused (upon)

   Juliet's thoughts revolved around Romeo

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noun

1. theatre a circular section of a stage that can be rotated by electric power to provide a scene change

Related Words

See turn.

Other Word Forms

• revolvable
  adjective
• revolvably
  adverb
• unrevolved
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of revolve

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English revolven, from Latin revolvere “to roll back,” equivalent to re- re- + volvere “to roll, turn round”

Explanation

When something revolves, it turns on an axis or in an orbit around something else. People who love you probably think the world revolves around you (but really, the earth revolves around the sun). Revolve comes from those useful Latin roots re- "again" or "back" and volvere "roll," as seen in evolution, involve, and lots of other familiar words. Picture a revolving door, and you can understand what it means to revolve, or turn in a circular motion.

Example Sentences

Revolve unveiled its TikTok storefront shortly after the feature launched in 2023.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Some of Coachella’s most elite attendees won’t spend their day at the actual festival, choosing instead to hop between the many exclusive day parties, powered by brands like Revolve.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

“It was quite simple. We saw the impact pretty immediately in terms of traffic to the site and conversion sales,” said Raissa Gerona, chief brand officer for Revolve.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026

“I could probably boost profits in the short term, in the current year, by cutting back on service levels,” said Revolve co-founder and co-CEO Mike Karanikolas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

"Revolve my turret!" says he, grimly, "I fight not against women; but the other window must be broken."

From The Orpheus C. Kerr Papers. Series 3 by Newell, Robert H.

Related Words

• rotate
• whirl