rivet

1 of 2

noun

riv·​et ˈri-vət How to pronounce rivet (audio)
Synonyms of rivetnext
: 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

rivet

2 of 2

verb

riveted; riveting; rivets

transitive verb

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

Synonyms

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
See the rivets and detailed construction up close and personal on a summit climb with BridgeClimb Sydney. — Wendy Altschuler, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 Lampe notes a large robot machine that welds rivets in one hour compared to three hours of manpower. — Catherine Muccigrosso, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
Their love interests also showcase the differences between the identical twins: Smoke’s former love is Annie (a wise, raw, and riveting Wunmi Mosaku), a spiritual medicine woman still reeling from the grief of losing their infant child, whose potions and hoodoo knowledge come in handy later. — Kathleen Newman-Bremang, Refinery29, 18 Apr. 2025 With a textured and riveted, shiny exterior, this sneaker is almost like jewelry for your foot, and can take you from sunup to sundown, when worn with office essentials like blazers, button downs, and trousers, to floaty dresses, for a more laid back approach. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rivet

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, clinch on a nail, rivet, from Old French, from river to attach, rivet, probably from rive border, edge, bank, from Latin ripa

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rivet was in the 15th century

Rhymes for rivet

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Browse Nearby Words

rivery
rivet
rivet buster
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rivet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rivet. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

rivet

1 of 2 noun
riv·​et ˈriv-ət How to pronounce rivet (audio)
: 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 verb
1
: to fasten with or as if with rivets
2
: to attract and hold (as one's attention) completely
riveter noun

More from Merriam-Webster on rivet

Nglish: Translation of rivet for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rivet

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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