revolve

American  

[ri-volv] / rɪˈvɒlv /

verb (used without object)

revolved, revolving

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)

revolved, revolving

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 British  

/ 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

Related Words

See turn.

Other Word Forms

• revolvable adjective
• revolvably adverb
• unrevolved adjective

Etymology

Origin of revolve

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

Example Sentences

For Richter, most Sundays revolve around his family.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Her days now revolve around planning when she can use electricity -- to "do laundry, wash, recharge batteries."

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

"All my holidays revolve around Hyrox or I incorporate events into holidays," she tells the BBC World Service.

From BBC • Jan. 25, 2026

“Interest rates and revolve rates are more their thing,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 22, 2026

With her magenta hair, she’s like the sun, around which her admiring planets revolve.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

• rotate
• whirl