swivel chair

American  

noun

1. a chair whose seat turns around horizontally on a swivel.

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swivel chair British  

noun

1. a chair, the seat of which is joined to the legs by a swivel and which thus may be spun round

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Etymology

Origin of swivel chair

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

“It was a normal day,” he began, twirling on the swivel chair in the Monrovia Marriott’s ADA suite where his family was staying 14 days after the fire.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 28, 2025

Or Billie Eilish, who spins around on a loop in an office’s swivel chair in her video for “Birds of a Feather.”

From Slate • Dec. 2, 2024

Kids love rocking chairs, but a well-made swivel chair allows for both enjoying views and keeping kids occupied.

From Seattle Times • May 4, 2023

“Do you sit in a swivel chair? Are you served tea at your seat?” her mother, an illiterate laborer, asked.

From New York Times • Mar. 6, 2023

After Ladd Devine hung up, he sat in his black Naugahide swivel chair with his hands clasped underneath his chin, his brow furrowed, thinking hard.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols