rivet

[ riv-it ]

noun

1. a metal pin for passing through holes in two or more plates or pieces to hold them together, usually made with a head at one end, the other end being hammered into a head after insertion.

verb (used with object)

, riv·et·ed, riv·et·ing.

1. to fasten with a rivet or rivets.
2. to hammer or spread out the end of (a pin, bolt, etc.) in order to form a head and secure something; clinch.
3. to fasten or fix firmly.
4. to hold (the eye, attention, etc.) firmly.

rivet

/ ˈrɪvɪt /

noun

1. a short metal pin for fastening two or more pieces together, having a head at one end, the other end being hammered flat after being passed through holes in the pieces

verb

1. to join by riveting
2. to hammer in order to form into a head
3. often passive to cause to be fixed or held firmly, as in fascinated attention, horror, etc

   to be riveted to the spot

Derived Forms

• ˈriveter, noun

Other Words From

• riv·et·er noun
• riv·et·less adjective
• un·riv·et·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rivet¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rivet¹

C14: from Old French, from river to fasten, fix, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

But all attention belonged to the riveting Timur, who illuminated the ghostly or grotesquely essence of Artaud, Burroughs, Lynch and, of course, Little.

From Los Angeles Times

Carroll’s revelations marked a riveting moment in a presidency accustomed to scandal.

From Los Angeles Times

If only some of Johnson’s promotional electricity could have been redirected toward boosting “Citizen Nation,” a riveting show about civics-minded students like him.

From Salon

The same goes for the many rivets on the aircraft which are most likely made of aluminium.

From BBC

The exhibition has received rave reviews from critics, with The Times calling it a "once-in-a-century" show, while The Guardian said it was a "riveting rollercoaster ride".

From BBC

Related Words

• fastener
• latch
• pipe
• rod
• spike