# swivel

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈswɪvəl/ · frequency rank #29,489

## Definitions
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.

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

## Easily confused with
- **swipe** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/swipe-vs-swivel)
- **swine** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/swine-vs-swivel)
- **swirl** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/swirl-vs-swivel)
- **spiel** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/spiel-vs-swivel)
- **shovel** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/shovel-vs-swivel)
- **shiver** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/shiver-vs-swivel)
- **sliver** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/sliver-vs-swivel)
- **swipes** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/swipes-vs-swivel)

## Common misspellings (9)
`siwvel`, `sswivel`, `swievl`, `swivell`, `swivle`, `swivvel`, `swviel`, `swwivel`, `wsivel`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/swivel