swivel chair

American  

noun

1. a chair whose seat turns around horizontally on a swivel.

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swivel chair British  

noun

1. a chair, the seat of which is joined to the legs by a swivel and which thus may be spun round

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Etymology

Origin of swivel chair

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

Maddox Batson sits in a swivel chair in a West Hollywood recording studio on a recent evening, spinning idly as his mother and manager go over their plans for the next few days.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

Or Billie Eilish, who spins around on a loop in an office’s swivel chair in her video for “Birds of a Feather.”

From Slate • Dec. 2, 2024

In living rooms, a swivel chair bridges several functions, says Conner — it’s ready for conversation over here or binge-watching over there, which is very helpful in a small space.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 13, 2023

“Obviously I’m happy that they invited me,” he said, twirling from side to side in a high leather swivel chair at New York’s venerated Electric Lady Studios about 48 hours before the exclusive fashion fête.

From New York Times • May 6, 2022

“What’s your name?” he said, placing his shiny shoes across the table and leaning back on the swivel chair, twirling a silver pen.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane