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

Related Words

• pivot
• revolve
• rotate
• swing around
• whirl