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swivel

1 of 2

noun

swiv·​el ˈswi-vəl How to pronounce swivel (audio)
often attributive
Synonyms of swivelnext
: a device joining two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (as on a bolt or pin)

swivel

2 of 2

verb

swiveled or swivelled; swiveling or swivelling ˈswi-və-liŋ How to pronounce swivel (audio)
ˈswiv-liŋ

transitive verb

: to turn on or as if on a swivel
swiveled his eyes in various directions

intransitive verb

: to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel

Examples of swivel in a Sentence

Noun The gun was mounted on a swivel. Verb She swiveled in her seat to check the time. She swiveled the chair around to face us.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
In her video, Grant and Reeves can be seen holding hands and wobbling on their skates while the camera swivels around the cute pair. Jack Smart, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 Keep your digital head on a swivel, folks. Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
That means only two belted seats for driving, which swivel around to double as dining/camping seats. New Atlas, 14 Jan. 2026 Sometimes those higher-quality efforts can nick off a defender and go over the crossbar, as was the case with Rogers’ swivelling left-footed strike in the second half against Palace. Mark Carey, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swivel

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English; akin to Old English swīfan to revolve, Old High German swebōn to roll, heave

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1775, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of swivel was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Swivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swivel. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

swivel

1 of 2 noun
swiv·​el ˈswiv-əl How to pronounce swivel (audio)
: a device joining two parts so that one or both can turn freely

swivel

2 of 2 verb
swiveled or swivelled; swiveling or swivelling
ˈswiv-(ə-)liŋ
: to turn on or as if on a swivel

More from Merriam-Webster on swivel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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