swivel chair

American  

noun

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

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of swivel chair

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

swivel chair

“It was a normal day,” he began, twirling on the swivel chair in the Monrovia Marriott’s ADA suite where his family was staying 14 days after the fire.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 28, 2025

In the windowless basement, one floor down from the Oval Office, the president’s oversize swivel chair faces three huge screens that he can consult while overseeing covert operations around the world.

From New York Times ● Sep. 8, 2023

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

I sat in a swivel chair, put on the headset, and found myself overlooking a sea sparkling with reflected sunshine, a vast meadow swaying in whispered breeze.

From Slate ● Oct. 11, 2021

After Ladd Devine hung up, he sat in his black Naugahide swivel chair with his hands clasped underneath his chin, his brow furrowed, thinking hard.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols