swivel

American  

[swiv-uhl] / ˈswɪv əl /

noun

1. a fastening device that allows the thing fastened to turn around freely upon it, especially to turn in a full circle.

2. such a device consisting of two parts, each of which turns around independently, as a compound link of a chain, one part of which turns freely in the other by means of a headed pin or the like.

3. a pivoted support allowing a gun to turn around in a horizontal plane.

4. a swivel gun.

5. a device attached to a loom and used as a shuttle to weave extra threads in the production of small figures, especially dots.

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verb (used with object)

swiveled, swiveling, swivelled, swivelling

1. to turn or pivot on or as if on a swivel.

   He swiveled his chair around.

2. to fasten by a swivel; furnish with a swivel.

verb (used without object)

swiveled, swiveling, swivelled, swivelling

1. to turn on or if as on a swivel.

swivel British  

/ ˈswɪvəl /

noun

1. a coupling device which allows an attached object to turn freely

2. such a device made of two parts which turn independently, such as a compound link of a chain

3. 1. a pivot on which is mounted a gun that may be swung from side to side in a horizontal plane

   2. Also called: swivel gun.  the gun itself

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verb

1. to turn or swing on or as if on a pivot

2. (tr) to provide with, secure by, or support with a swivel

Other Word Forms

• swivel-like adjective
• swivellike adjective
• unswivel verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of swivel

1275–1325; Middle English (noun), equivalent to swiv- (weak stem of Old English swīfan to revolve; cognate with Old Norse svīfa to turn) + -el instrumental suffix

Explanation

A swivel is a device that allows something to turn freely. Desk chairs are often designed so the seat can swivel atop the base. In the hospital, the TV is usually mounted on a swivel so that patients can adjust it. Swivel comes from a middle English word, swive, meaning to sweep. It’s often used to describe gun mountings, like on a tank or a boat where a gun is fastened down but can still be swung around in any direction. But people can also swivel. If you were in the middle of robbing a bank and you heard a noise behind you, you’d probably swivel around quickly to see what it was.

Example Sentences

Behind her, an elegantly decorated living room can be seen, with a large L-shaped gray couch set up against one wall opposite two cozy-looking white swivel chairs.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 15, 2026

The calmness and poise to turn and swivel on it.

From BBC • Dec. 15, 2025

I had to keep my head on a swivel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

Now, when the Win-Dow employees exit the kitchen to the Sunset Triangle Plaza, they immediately swivel around and lock the door tight.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 30, 2025

At the same time, I swivel my hoverboard so sharply to my left that I spin 180 degrees.

From "Warcross" by Marie Lu

Related Words

• pivot
• revolve
• rotate
• swing around
• whirl