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

Maddox Batson sits in a swivel chair in a West Hollywood recording studio on a recent evening, spinning idly as his mother and manager go over their plans for the next few days.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2026

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

But what brought him to viral notoriety was his decision to recline nonchalantly in a staff member’s swivel chair and plunk his left work boot atop the desk.

From Washington Post • Jan. 23, 2023

Mr. Anderson leaned back in his big swivel chair.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings