English Explanatory Dictionary

swivel

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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.
  2. A small piece of ordnance, turning on a point or swivel; called also swivel gun.
  3. Strength of mind or character that enables one to overcome adversity; confidence; force of will.
  4. The act of swivelling.
  5. A rotating of the hips.
  6. 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.
verb
  1. To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot.

Pronunciation

/ˈswɪvəl/ en-us-swivel.ogg

Word forms

swivel swivels swiveling swivelling swiveled swivelled

Etymology

From Middle English swyvel, swivel, from a derivative of Old English swīfan (“to revolve”), + -el, an instrumental suffix, equivalent to swive + -el.

Derived words

keep one's head on a swivel snap swivel swivel bridge swivel chair swivel-chair swivel chary swivel eye swivel-eyed swivel gun swivel-hipped swivel hoe swivel hook swivel joint swivel knife swivelly swivel phone swivelable unswivel
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