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

If your kitchen has an island with bar stools, invest more in a sturdy swivel chair to allow guests or residents to turn to see the sights.

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

“It’s almost like watching a jazz musician riffing,” Rauch said, describing a scene in which Larroquette had to deliver his lines while shooting backward in a swivel chair.

From New York Times • Jan. 16, 2023

Foaly rose from his swivel chair and clip-clopped over to her.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer