What does "swivel" mean?
A piece, such as a ring or hook, attached to another piece by a pin, in such a manner as to permit rotation about the pin as an axis.
Swivel
/ˈswɪvəl/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A piece, such as a ring or hook, attached to another piece by a pin, in such a manner as to permit rotation about the pin as an axis.
- Grammar: swivel is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: arbor, axis, axle, axle bar.
- Useful contrasts: fixed base, fixed joint, immobility.
- Usage evidence: A desk stood in the centre, with a red leather swivel chair.
How to use "swivel"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "swivel" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "swivel" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "swivel" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "swivel" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "swivel" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "arbor" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "swivel", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A piece, such as a ring or hook, attached to another piece by a pin, in such a manner as to permit rotation about the pin as an axis. countable, uncountable
"The patter of feet, and clatter of strap and swivel, seemed to swell into a bewildering din, but they were almost upon the fielato offices, where the carretera entered the town, before a rifle flashed."
- 2 a coupling (as in a chain) that has one end that turns on a headed pin wordnet
- 3 A small piece of ordnance, turning on a point or swivel; called also swivel gun. countable, uncountable
"[The settlement] was entirely surrounded by a broad unfordable marsh or swamp, which prevented all communication, except by private paths under water, known only to the rebels, and before which Baron had placed loaded swivels […]"
- 4 Strength of mind or character that enables one to overcome adversity; confidence; force of will. slang, uncountable
"Bob ain't got no swivel."
- 5 The act of swivelling. countable, uncountable
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A rotating of the hips. countable, uncountable
- 7 A small, usually ball- or barrel-shaped device used in angling to connect sections of fishing lines, consisting of two rings linked via a thrust bearing pivot joint. countable, uncountable
Verb
- 1 To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot. intransitive
"As expected, Swansea began the game with some patient passing and the first chance fell to striker Michu in the fourth minute when he controlled a cross by Jonjo Shelvey and swivelled in the penalty box, only to fire over the bar."
- 2 turn on a pivot wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"A desk stood in the centre, with a red leather swivel chair."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "swivel"?
Common synonyms include: arbor, axis, axle, axle bar, axle shaft, axle spindle.
How do you use "swivel" in a sentence?
A desk stood in the centre, with a red leather swivel chair.
How do you pronounce "swivel"?
Pronounced /ˈswɪvəl/.
Etymology
From Middle English swyvel, swivel, from a derivative of Old English swīfan (“to revolve”), + -el, an instrumental suffix, equivalent to swive + -el.