rivet
Americannoun
verb (used with object)
-
to fasten with a rivet or rivets.
-
to hammer or spread out the end of (a pin, bolt, etc.) in order to form a head and secure something; clinch.
-
to fasten or fix firmly.
-
to hold (the eye, attention, etc.) firmly.
noun
verb
-
to join by riveting
-
to hammer in order to form into a head
-
(often passive) to cause to be fixed or held firmly, as in fascinated attention, horror, etc
to be riveted to the spot
Other Word Forms
- riveter noun
- rivetless adjective
- unriveting adjective
Etymology
Origin of rivet
First recorded in 1350–1400; (noun) Middle English revette, rivette, from Old French rivet, derivative of river “to attach”; (verb) Middle English revetten, derivative of the noun
Explanation
A rivet is a metal fastener, a bolt-like device that holds together two pieces of metal or fabric. The round metal fasteners on your favorite pair of jeans are rivets. Older buildings with metal frames like the Eiffel Tower are held together with rivets, and so are some bridges and military vehicles. Furniture upholstery often involves rivets, too. When you use a rivet to fasten, you can say you rivet — and similarly, to hold attention or captivate is also to rivet. The Old French root is river, "to clench or fasten."
Vocabulary lists containing rivet
Esperanza Rising
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"The Pedestrian" by Ray Bradbury
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
And Then There Were None
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The rivet wine box bag, with its structural nature and sheer amount of storage space, feels tough enough to withstand a long day in L.A. and is lightweight enough to not drag you down.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2024
In a letter addressed to leaders of the Senate, Homendy said the door plug which failed had been opened so rivet repair work could be done in September last year.
From BBC • Mar. 18, 2024
The Boeing employees “were discussing interior restoration after the rivet rework was completed during second shift operations that day,” the report said.
From New York Times • Feb. 6, 2024
"We will be removing some 1,200 of these one by one," says site manager Mika Hakkarainen, holding up a rivet.
From Reuters • Jul. 3, 2023
Every rivet was examined, every link tested, and the plates were burnished with the finest sand Just as much attention was paid to his claws.
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
