swivel
B2Neutral to technical; common in mechanical, industrial, business, and figurative contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To turn or rotate around a central point or pin.
A device allowing such rotation; to shift focus, allegiance, or direction flexibly.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb; also a noun referring to the pivoting mechanism itself. Implies smooth, controlled rotation on a fixed point, not a free spin.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. 'Swivel chair' is standard in both. US English may use 'swivel' more frequently in business jargon ('pivot').
Connotations
Identical: mechanical efficiency, flexibility, adaptability.
Frequency
Similar frequency, slightly higher in US business contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] (intransitive): The camera can swivel 360 degrees.[V + adv/prep] (transitive/intransitive): She swivelled her chair to face the window.[V n + adv/prep]: He swivelled his head towards the noise.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Swivel-eyed (UK, derogatory): describing someone as fanatical or extremist.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To change strategy or focus: 'The company swivelled to target a new market.'
Academic
Describing mechanical systems or in figurative analysis of policy shifts.
Everyday
Referring to chairs, office equipment, or turning one's body: 'He swivelled round in his seat.'
Technical
Precise term in engineering for a coupling that allows rotation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The lamp is fitted with a brass swivel.
- The old office chair had a broken swivel.
American English
- The swivel on the fishing tackle allows the line to turn freely.
- A sturdy swivel base is essential for the monitor arm.
verb
British English
- The security camera swivelled to track the vehicle.
- She swivelled her eyes disapprovingly at the remark.
American English
- The CEO can quickly swivel the company's strategy.
- He swiveled his barstool to face the newcomer.
adjective
British English
- It's a classic swivel chair design.
- The swivel mounting provides a full range of motion.
American English
- She bought a swivel desk organizer.
- The swivel-head flashlight is very handy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My office chair can swivel.
- The swivel on the fan lets it turn.
- The player swivelled and kicked the ball.
- You can swivel the TV to face the sofa.
- The journalist swivelled the conversation towards the controversial topic.
- The gun turret was mounted on a smooth swivel mechanism.
- Under new leadership, the organisation swivelled from a product-centric to a service-centric model.
- The politician's ability to swivel his rhetoric to suit different audiences was remarkable.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SWIVEL = Spin With Ingenious, Versatile, Effortless Leverage.
Conceptual Metaphor
FLEXIBLE THINKING IS PHYSICAL ROTATION ('She swivelled her attention to the new problem').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'вертеться' for all contexts; 'swivel' implies a specific pivot point, not random spinning.
- The noun 'swivel' is specific to a mechanical joint ('шарнир', 'поворотное устройство'), not a general 'rotation'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'swivel' for unattached spinning objects (e.g., 'The top swivelled on the floor' - better: 'spun').
- Confusing with 'swing' (side-to-side arc) or 'twist' (axial rotation).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'swivel' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its core meaning is mechanical, it is commonly used figuratively for people (swivelling one's head, eyes) and abstract concepts (swivelling attention, strategy).
'Swivel' implies turning on a fixed point or pivot. 'Spin' suggests faster, often continuous rotation, possibly freely. 'Rotate' is a more general, often technical term for turning around an axis.
UK: 'swivelled', 'swivelling'. US: typically 'swiveled', 'swiveling', though the double 'l' is also accepted.
Yes, it commonly refers to the device that allows rotation, e.g., 'the swivel on a chair base' or 'a fishing swivel'.