often attributive
: a device joining two parts so that one or both can pivot freely (as on a bolt or pin)
swiveled or swivelled; swiveling or swivelling
ˈswi-və-liŋ 
ˈswiv-liŋ
: to turn on or as if on a swivel
swiveled his eyes in various directions
: to swing or turn on or as if on a swivel
Examples of swivel in a Sentence
Noun
The gun was mounted on a swivel.
Verb
She swiveled in her seat to check the time.
She swiveled the chair around to face us.
Recent Examples on the Web
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2025
However, there are still some players who should have their heads on a swivel.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Simon Hill, Wired News, 29 July 2025
The cab seats swivel around to create a four-person dining lounge, and the rear bench includes two seatbelts for carrying a total of four occupants when driving.
—New Atlas, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for swivel
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Noun
For the coat or bedroom closet that just can’t seem to stay organized, there’s a 30-pack of 360-degree swivel hook hangers and an organizer that can accommodate up to 16 pairs of shoes.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 July 2025
However, there are still some players who should have their heads on a swivel.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Verb
This clip-on light has an easily adjustable gooseneck that stays put, and the two swiveling light bars have seven LEDs each.
—Simon Hill, Wired News, 29 July 2025
The cab seats swivel around to create a four-person dining lounge, and the rear bench includes two seatbelts for carrying a total of four occupants when driving.
—New Atlas, 26 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for swivel
Cite this Entry
“Swivel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swivel. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
swivel
1 of 2 noun
swiv·el
ˈswiv-əl
: a device joining two parts so that one or both can turn freely
swivel
2 of 2 verb
swiveled or swivelled; swiveling or swivelling
ˈswiv-(ə-)liŋ
: to turn on or as if on a swivel
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