revolve

[ ri-volv ]
See synonyms for: revolverevolvedrevolving on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),re·volved, re·volv·ing.
  1. to move in a circular or curving course or orbit: The earth revolves around the sun.

  2. to turn around or rotate, as on an axis: The wheel revolves slowly.

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

  2. to be revolved in the mind.

  3. to focus or center on.

verb (used with object),re·volved, re·volv·ing.
  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.

  1. to think about; consider.

Origin of revolve

1
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English revolven, from Latin revolvere “to roll back,” equivalent to re-re- + volvere “to roll, turn round”

synonym study For revolve

2. See turn.

Other words for revolve

Other words from revolve

  • re·volv·a·ble, adjective
  • re·volv·a·bly, adverb
  • un·re·volved, adjective

Words that may be confused with revolve

Words Nearby revolve

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use revolve in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for revolve

revolve

/ (rɪˈvɒlv) /


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

  2. (intr) to occur periodically or in cycles

  1. to consider or be considered

  2. (intr ; foll by around or about) to be centred or focused (upon): Juliet's thoughts revolved around Romeo

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

Origin of revolve

1
C14: from Latin revolvere, from re- + volvere to roll, wind

Derived forms of revolve

  • revolvable, adjective
  • revolvably, adverb

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