swivel

[ swiv-uhl ]

/ ˈswɪv əl /

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See synonyms for swivel on Thesaurus.com

noun

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

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.

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

a swivel gun.

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

verb (used with object), swiv·eled, swiv·el·ing or (especially British) swiv·elled, swiv·el·ling.

to turn or pivot on or as if on a swivel: He swiveled his chair around.

to fasten by a swivel; furnish with a swivel.

verb (used without object), swiv·eled, swiv·el·ing or (especially British) swiv·elled, swiv·el·ling.

to turn on or if as on a swivel.

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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

OTHER WORDS FROM swivel

swiv·el·like, adjectiveun·swiv·el, verb (used with object), un·swiv·eled, un·swiv·el·ing or (especially British) un·swiv·elled, un·swiv·el·ling.

Words nearby swivel

Swithin, Switz., Switzer, Switzerland, swive, swivel, swivel chair, swivel gun, swivel-hipped, swivel pin, swiveltree

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

How to use swivel in a sentence

It is designed with a non-slip handle, an easy “open” button for the lid, and a 360-degree swivel base that will assist your pour.
The best electric kettles for a great brew|PopSci Commerce Team|October 8, 2020|Popular-Science
It comes in a huge variety of colors and has a lockable 36-inch swivel cord that’s designed for ease of movement in your busy food workspace.
These pieces of kitchen gear make excellent gifts|PopSci Commerce Team|October 6, 2020|Popular-Science
Once the base is attached, you adjust the swivel plate to face the direction you want, then you mount a second, superthin magnet to the back of your phone or phone case.
The Best Phone Mount for Your Car Costs $12|Jakob Schiller|September 20, 2020|Outside Online
On top of the base is a small plastic swivel plate with a magnet.
The Best Phone Mount for Your Car Costs $12|Jakob Schiller|September 20, 2020|Outside Online

The magnet on your phone then attaches to the magnetic swivel plate, and you’re done.
The Best Phone Mount for Your Car Costs $12|Jakob Schiller|September 20, 2020|Outside Online
How refreshing it was to see England players swivel and dribble and sell dummies.
The Group of Life|Tunku Varadarajan|June 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He sat before a wall full of badges, in a big swivel chair, his bovine features set in mistrustful concentration.
The Strange and Mysterious Death of Mrs. Jerry Lee Lewis|Richard Ben Cramer|January 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Swivel Store Spice Rack Okay, so this is an As Seen On Television product.
The 2012 Holiday Kitchen Gift Guide|Megan McArdle|December 13, 2012|DAILY BEAST
He sits, leans back in his swivel chair and begins to discuss his SATC character, Aleksandr Petrovsky.
Baryshnikov Unbound|Ross Kenneth Urken|May 17, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Ward sat back in his swivel chair, hooked his thumbs into the arm holes of his vest and beamed.
Hooded Detective, Volume III No. 2, January, 1942|Various
One of the swivel guns was fired, and then came a whole broadside, sending its balls hurtling over the crowded deck of the sloop.
Stories of Our Naval Heroes|Various
Also Crozier's evidence was expected to be sensational, and to prove the swivel on which the fate of the accused man would hang.
You Never Know Your Luck, Complete|Gilbert Parker
They were of elm, with lignum vit roller sheaves, and were bound inside with iron, and had swivel eyes.
Loss of the Steamship 'Titanic'|British Government
She dropped her check book into a drawer and swung round in her swivel chair until she faced him.
A Hoosier Chronicle|Meredith Nicholson

British Dictionary definitions for swivel

swivel

/ (ˈswɪvəl) /

noun

a coupling device which allows an attached object to turn freely

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

a pivot on which is mounted a gun that may be swung from side to side in a horizontal plane
Also called: swivel gun the gun itself

verb -els, -elling or -elled or US -els, -eling or -eled

to turn or swing on or as if on a pivot

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

Derived forms of swivel

swivel-like, adjective

Word Origin for swivel

C14: from Old English swīfan to turn; see swift

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

swivel

Origin of swivel

OTHER WORDS FROM swivel

Words nearby swivel

Words related to swivel

How to use swivel in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for swivel

Derived forms of swivel

Word Origin for swivel