rivet
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for rivet, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short metal pin used to permanently join two pieces of metal or other material by hammering or pressing one end flat.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use rivet
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French rivet, from river ("to fasten"), ultimately traced back to Latin ripa ("riverbank") — the same root that gives us "river" and "rival."
Full origin of rivet →Frequently asked questions
What does “rivet” mean?
The word “rivet” means a short metal pin used to permanently join two pieces of metal or other material by hammering or pressing one end flat. In plain terms, a metal fastener used to permanently join materials, or (figuratively) to completely capture someone's attention.
How do you pronounce “rivet”?
“Rivet” is pronounced RIH-vuht (/ˈɹɪvət/ in IPA).
How do you use “rivet” in a sentence?
Here is “rivet” used in a sentence: “The bridge is held together with thousands of steel rivets.”
What part of speech is “rivet”?
Depending on how it is used, “rivet” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “rivet” come from?
The word “rivet” comes from Latin. From Old French rivet, from river ("to fasten"), ultimately traced back to Latin ripa ("riverbank") — the same root that gives us "river" and "rival.".
How many meanings does “rivet” have?
“Rivet” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short metal pin used to permanently join two pieces of metal or other material by hammering or pressing one end flat.