riveted

American

[riv-i-tid] / ˈrɪv ɪ tɪd /

adjective

fixed in place with or as if with rivets, fastened firmly.

The two sections of the screen are attached to each other with a riveted hinge.
The skillet features a riveted handle which provides a cool and safe grip for the user.
having or using rivets.

Denim for the riveted work pants came from a mill in New Hampshire that was known for the quality of its fabrics.
firmly attentive.

Last winter, the professor lectured on Darwin to a riveted audience in the Plainfield Opera House.

verb

the simple past tense and past participle of rivet.

Other Word Forms

unriveted adjective

Etymology

Origin of riveted

rivet ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Hunkered down in a dark room, Max Carozza watched riveted as President Trump gave a speech on the U.S. economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 24, 2026

"These bits here are the most impacted by rust," Petr told me, pointing at a nest of riveted joints and beams.

From BBC • Jul. 11, 2025

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has riveted the public with its futuristic architecture.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2025

After all, in junior high and high school, I was riveted by this country’s Civil War.

From Salon • Apr. 9, 2025

He had utterly forgotten where he was; his eyes were still riveted on that point in space where he had last seen Jan’s retreating form.

From "Native Son" by Richard Wright

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023