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”

Example Sentences

Her days now revolve around planning when she can use electricity -- to "do laundry, wash, recharge batteries."

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

"All my holidays revolve around Hyrox or I incorporate events into holidays," she tells the BBC World Service.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

With this creative energy in mind, it’s no surprise that some of his favorite spots in Los Angeles revolve around art and architecture, including the Broad and the Los Angeles Athletic Club.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

RBA Gov. Michele Bullock’s advice to the RBA’s interest-rate setting board is likely to revolve around acting to snuff out the inflation risks.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

The wringer is two rubber rollers, the color of pale flesh, that revolve around and around, the clothes squeezing in between them, water and suds squooshing out like juice.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• rotate
• whirl