: 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
riveted; riveting; rivets
1
: to fasten with or as if with rivets
2
: to upset the end or point of (something, such 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 (something, such as a person's attention) completely
riveter
noun
Examples of rivet in a Sentence
Verb
The iron plates are riveted rather than welded.
everyone riveted their eyes on the trick that the magician was performing on stage
Recent Examples on the Web
Erika Owen, Vogue, 6 June 2025
When the 737 Max involved in the accident was being manufactured, Boeing removed the door panel to make repairs to rivets nearby, according to the NTSB's report.
—June 24, CBS News, 24 June 2025
Adam Reiss, NBC news, 6 June 2025
Better still, it will be contested during the opening days of the Olympics, when the world’s attention tends to be riveted on the Games even though most sports are still deep in preliminary competition.
—Blythe Lawrence, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivet
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Noun
Fritz Hansen cutter wardrobe Frama rivet side table Fredericia
silhouette rectangular mirror
Frama
shelf library stainless steel
Beam
Based in Brooklyn, Beam carries a variety of home goods and decor carefully selected from around the globe.
—Erika Owen, Vogue, 6 June 2025
When the 737 Max involved in the accident was being manufactured, Boeing removed the door panel to make repairs to rivets nearby, according to the NTSB's report.
—June 24, CBS News, 24 June 2025
Verb
All of the attorneys, from both the prosecution and the defense, appear riveted by Jane's testimony today.
—Adam Reiss, NBC news, 6 June 2025
Better still, it will be contested during the opening days of the Olympics, when the world’s attention tends to be riveted on the Games even though most sports are still deep in preliminary competition.
—Blythe Lawrence, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivet
Cite this Entry
“Rivet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rivet. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rivet
1 of 2 noun
riv·et
ˈriv-ət 
: a metal bolt with a head at one end 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
rivet
2 of 2 verb1
: to fasten with or as if with rivets
2
: to attract and hold (as one's attention) completely
riveter
noun
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