swivel

Meaning

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. (slang) 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

To swing or turn, as on a pin or pivot.

Synonyms

pivot

spin

rotate

turn

veer

revolve

revolving

rotary

rotative

gyrate

rotatory

gyratory

twirl

stir

wind

obvert

turn back

turn in

turn off

turn round

wheel

🛞

whirl

wrench

🔧

wheel around

change state

pivot joint

rotary joint

swing around

rotary swivel

revolving ring

translate

pivot bracket

axis

backtrack

bend

convert

deflect

hinge

jibe

screw

shift

swerve

swing

swing about

swirl

turn around

turn away

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈswɪvəl/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: swyvel

In summary

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