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.

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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

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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”

Explanation

When something revolves, it turns on an axis or in an orbit around something else. People who love you probably think the world revolves around you (but really, the earth revolves around the sun). Revolve comes from those useful Latin roots re- "again" or "back" and volvere "roll," as seen in evolution, involve, and lots of other familiar words. Picture a revolving door, and you can understand what it means to revolve, or turn in a circular motion.

Example Sentences

“It’s also so refreshing to see a woman whose life doesn’t revolve around a man and relationships,” she says.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 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

At the centre there is a stationary, round platform around which the circles of horses, each taking the same time to complete a circuit, revolve.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• rotate
• whirl