First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1swivel
noun, swiv·el often attributive \ˈswi-vəl\
: a device that joins two parts so that one of the parts can turn or spin while the other part does not move
Full Definition of SWIVEL
: a device joining two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (as on a bolt or pin)
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Origin of SWIVEL
Middle English; akin to Old English swīfan to revolve, Old High German swebōn to roll, heave
2swivel
verb
: to turn around
swiveled or swivelledswivel·ing or swivel·ling \ˈswi-və-liŋ, ˈswiv-liŋ\
Full Definition of SWIVEL
transitive verb
: to turn on or as if on a swivel <swiveled his eyes in various directions>
intransitive verb
: to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel
See swivel defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of SWIVEL
1775
Related to SWIVEL
SWIVEL[1] Defined for Kids
1swivel
noun swiv·el \ˈswi-vəl\
Definition of SWIVEL for Kids
: a device joining two parts so that one or both can turn freely (as on a bolt or pin)
2swivel
verb
swiv·eled or swiv·elledswiv·el·ing or swiv·el·ling
Definition of SWIVEL for Kids
: to turn on or as if on a swivel <He swiveled around to see who was behind him.>
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