noun
C2
Proficient
swivel
SWIH-vuhl
Swivel (noun) means a joint or fitting that allows something attached to it to rotate freely. Example: “The office chair spins smoothly thanks to its swivel base.”
noun
1
A joint or fitting that allows something attached to it to rotate freely.
"The office chair spins smoothly thanks to its swivel base."
verb
1
To turn or rotate on a fixed point.
"She swiveled around in her chair to face him."
How to use swivel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo turn on a fixed point, or a joint/fitting that lets something rotate.
Common pairings
swivel chair
swivel around
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Word forms
- Plural
- swivels
- Third person singular
- swivels
- Past tense
- swiveled, swivelled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The office chair spins smoothly thanks to its _____ base.
Etymology
From Old English swifan, "to revolve," combined with the instrumental suffix -el; ultimately related to swift.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for swivel
See all rhymes for swivel →Frequently asked questions
What does “swivel” mean?
The word “swivel” means a joint or fitting that allows something attached to it to rotate freely. In plain terms, to turn on a fixed point, or a joint/fitting that lets something rotate.
How do you pronounce “swivel”?
“Swivel” is pronounced SWIH-vuhl (/ˈswɪvəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “swivel” in a sentence?
Here is “swivel” used in a sentence: “The office chair spins smoothly thanks to its swivel base.”
What part of speech is “swivel”?
Depending on how it is used, “swivel” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “swivel” come from?
The word “swivel” comes from Old English. From Old English swifan, "to revolve," combined with the instrumental suffix -el; ultimately related to swift.
How many meanings does “swivel” have?
“Swivel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a joint or fitting that allows something attached to it to rotate freely.
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