revolve

[ ri-volv ]

verb (used without object)

, re·volved, re·volv·ing.

1. to move in a circular or curving course or orbit:

   The earth revolves around the sun.

   Synonyms: circle, orbit

2. to turn around or rotate, as on an axis:

   The wheel revolves slowly.

3. to proceed or occur in a round or cycle; come around again in the process of time; recur.
4. to be revolved in the mind.
5. to focus or center on.

verb (used with object)

, re·volved, re·volv·ing.

1. to cause to turn around, as on an axis.
2. to cause to move in a circular or curving course, as about a central point.
3. to think about; consider.

   Synonyms: study, ponder

revolve

/ rɪˈvɒlv /

verb

1. to move or cause to move around a centre or axis; rotate
2. intr to occur periodically or in cycles
3. to consider or be considered
4. intr; foll by around or about to be centred or focused (upon)

   Juliet's thoughts revolved around Romeo

noun

1. theatre a circular section of a stage that can be rotated by electric power to provide a scene change

Derived Forms

• reˈvolvable, adjective
• reˈvolvably, adverb

Other Words From

• re·volva·ble adjective
• re·volva·bly adverb
• unre·volved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolve¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English revolven, from Latin revolvere “to roll back,” equivalent to re- re- + volvere “to roll, turn round”

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolve¹

C14: from Latin revolvere , from re- + volvere to roll, wind

Synonym Study

See turn.

Example Sentences

Each series is a cat-and-mouse story, with the hero and the villain identified from the beginning, though exactly who is the cat and who the mouse is an evolving, revolving situation.

From Los Angeles Times

A so-called story trust meets weekly to discuss ideas, and themes revolve around milestones and lessons that families experience on a regular basis.

From Los Angeles Times

The revolving door of White House administrations and cable news channels has been active in recent years due to the number of opinion programs the outlets now present.

From Los Angeles Times

By 2026, the county will create an independent ethics commission, responsible for disciplining county officials found guilty of misconduct and cracking down on a “revolving door” from government posts to lobbying.

From Los Angeles Times

His story - a revolving door of crime, arrest and release - is not an isolated one in the Northern Territory.

From BBC

Related Words

• rotate
• whirl