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
Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
The couple demonstrated their charming and obvious chemistry, seamlessly integrating the grace of ballet with the swivels and kicks of the tango.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025
We were impressed by its powerful suction and ability to swivel around furniture and corners.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swivel
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Noun
The extensive line of bedroom, living room, and dining room furniture includes platform beds, swivel armchairs, storage benches, and upholstered ottomans.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
The couple demonstrated their charming and obvious chemistry, seamlessly integrating the grace of ballet with the swivels and kicks of the tango.
—Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
Verb
The entire layout circled the exhibit room to which spectators were admitted, a certain number at a time, or alternatively, could sit in chairs in the center of the room and swivel their heads.
—Richard Selcer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Dec. 2025
We were impressed by its powerful suction and ability to swivel around furniture and corners.
—Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 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 1 Jan. 2026.
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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