swivel

[ swiv-uhl ]

noun

1. a fastening device that allows the thing fastened to turn around freely upon it, especially to turn in a full circle.
2. such a device consisting of two parts, each of which turns around independently, as a compound link of a chain, one part of which turns freely in the other by means of a headed pin or the like.
3. a pivoted support allowing a gun to turn around in a horizontal plane.
4. a swivel gun.
5. a device attached to a loom and used as a shuttle to weave extra threads in the production of small figures, especially dots.

verb (used with object)

, swiv·eled, swiv·el·ing or (especially British) swiv·elled, swiv·el·ling.

1. to turn or pivot on or as if on a swivel:

   He swiveled his chair around.

2. to fasten by a swivel; furnish with a swivel.

verb (used without object)

, swiv·eled, swiv·el·ing or (especially British) swiv·elled, swiv·el·ling.

1. to turn on or if as on a swivel.

swivel

/ ˈswɪvəl /

noun

1. a coupling device which allows an attached object to turn freely
2. such a device made of two parts which turn independently, such as a compound link of a chain
3. 1. a pivot on which is mounted a gun that may be swung from side to side in a horizontal plane
   2. Also calledswivel gun the gun itself

verb

1. to turn or swing on or as if on a pivot
2. tr to provide with, secure by, or support with a swivel

Derived Forms

• ˈswivel-ˌlike, adjective

Other Words From

• swivel·like adjective
• un·swivel verb (used with object) unswiveled unswiveling or (especially British) unswivelled unswivelling

Word History and Origins

Origin of swivel¹

1275–1325; Middle English (noun), equivalent to swiv- (weak stem of Old English swīfan to revolve; cognate with Old Norse svīfa to turn) + -el instrumental suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of swivel¹

C14: from Old English swīfan to turn; see swift

Example Sentences

His first came from a neat swivel and finish two minutes into the second half before he capitalised on Wout Faes' error to nod over a stranded Mads Hermansen on the hour.

From BBC

“My head’s on a swivel whenever she goes out. I’m looking here, looking there, to protect her. You never know when someone will do something stupid.”

From Los Angeles Times

Sitting in the same swivel chair inside the Dodger Stadium interview room, Ohtani was asked if he was at all nervous about his first MLB postseason, which will begin with Game 1 on Saturday night.

From Los Angeles Times

Officers spend their shifts with their heads on a swivel, she said, ever on guard in case a fight breaks out or they’re attacked.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Trump swivelled in his chair and watched as his attorney railed against the case, occasionally closing his eyes as he has often been seen to do.

From BBC

Related Words

• pivot
• revolve
• rotate
• swing around
• whirl