swivel
/ˈswɪvəl/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.99 in modern English
12
Scrabble Score
6
Letters
2
Syllables
6
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
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
noun
A small piece of ordnance, turning on a point or swivel; called also swivel gun.
Countable; Uncountable
noun
Strength of mind or character that enables one to overcome adversity; confidence; force of will.
Slang; Uncountable
noun
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
Example Sentences
- "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."
- "[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 […]"
- "Applied to guns mounted upon the cartridges were fired without being tripods, stands, swivels, or carriages"
- "Bob ain't got no swivel."
- "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."
Etymology
From Middle English swyvel, swivel, from a derivative of Old English swīfan (“to revolve”), + -el, an instrumental suffix, equivalent to swive + -el.
Origin
Word Breakdown
Usage
Inflected Forms
Derived Forms
Phrases
keep one's head on a swivel
snap swivel
swivel bridge
swivel chair
swivel-chair
swivel chary
swivel eye
swivel-eyed