First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1rivet
noun riv·et \ˈri-vət\
: a special kind of metal bolt or pin that is used to hold pieces of metal together
Full Definition of RIVET
: a headed pin or bolt of metal used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head
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Origin of RIVET
Middle English, clinch on a nail, rivet, from Old French, from river to attach, rivet, probably from rive border, edge, bank, from Latin ripa
2rivet
verb
: to attract and hold all of someone's attention
: to make (someone) unable to move because of fear, shock, etc.
: to fasten (something) with rivets
Full Definition of RIVET
transitive verb
1
: to fasten with or as if with rivets
2
: to upset the end or point of (as a metallic pin, rod, or bolt) by beating or pressing so as to form a head
3
: to fasten or fix firmly <stood riveted by fright>
4
: to attract and hold (as the attention) completely
— riv·et·er noun
See rivet defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RIVET
15th century
Related to RIVET
- Synonyms
- center, fasten, focus, concentrate, train
Rhymes with RIVET
RIVET[1] Defined for Kids
1rivet
noun riv·et \ˈri-vət\
Definition of RIVET for Kids
: a bolt with a head that is passed through two or more pieces and is hammered into place
2rivet
verb
riv·et·edriv·et·ing
Definition of RIVET for Kids
1
: to fasten with rivets
2
: to attract and hold (as someone's attention) completely <We were riveted by the story.>
3
: to make (someone) unable to move because of fear or shock
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