swivel
gb/swˈɪvəl/ us/swˈɪvəl/
B1
English
elfordul, elfordít, elforgat, forgószék, forgócsukló, forgócsatlakozó, forgókapocs, odakapja a fejét, odafordítja a tekintetét
VERB
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[something] swivels; [someone] swivels [something] (around/toward [something])
She swivelled around to see who had called her name.
Megfordult, hogy megnézze, ki szólította a nevén.
The security camera swivels to follow movement in the hallway.
A biztonsági kamera elfordul, hogy kövesse a mozgást a folyosón.
He swivelled the monitor so everyone could read the chart.
Learner examples
I swivelled my chair to the right.
Jobbra fordítottam a székemet.
The screen can swivel.
A képernyő elforgatható.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse it with 'switch' or 'swipe'; 'swivel' specifically means turning on a pivot.
Meaning
turn around a central point
Collocations
swivel around
|swivel to face
|swivel toward
|swivel away
|swivel in your chair
|swivel smoothly
|swivel back and forth
|swivel the camera
|swivel the monitor
|swivel the seat
Synonyms
rotate (More general; can be full circular movement.)
|
pivot (Often emphasizes turning around a point, especially in place.)
|
turn (Most general; does not always imply a pivoting joint.)
Antonyms
stay still (No turning or movement.)
|
remain fixed (Not able to turn because it is held in place.)
Themes
movement
|daily_life
Definition
To turn around in a circle while staying in one place.
To turn or swing around a fixed point so that the direction changes while staying attached or supported.
NOUN
B1
2
forgószék
B1
Usage pattern:
a swivel chair; sit in a swivel chair
He rolled up in a swivel chair and opened the file.
Odagurult a forgószékkel, és kinyitotta az aktát.
The swivel chair squeaked every time she turned.
A forgószék minden alkalommal nyikorgott, amikor elfordult benne.
We replaced the old swivel chair with a more supportive one.
Learner examples
This swivel chair turns easily.
Ez a forgószék könnyen forog.
I use a swivel chair at work.
A munkahelyemen forgószéket használok.
Common mistake:
A 'swivel chair' rotates; it is not the same as a 'recliner' (a chair that leans back).
Meaning
chair that rotates
Collocations
office swivel chair
|leather swivel chair
|sit in a swivel chair
|a swivel chair on wheels
|a swivel chair base
|adjustable swivel chair
|spin in a swivel chair
|a swivel chair at the desk
Synonyms
rotating chair (Descriptive synonym; less common as a fixed term.)
Antonyms
fixed chair (A chair that does not rotate.)
Themes
home
|work
|furniture
|daily_life
Definition
A chair you can turn around in.
A chair designed to rotate on its base, especially an office chair.
NOUN
B2
TECHNICAL
3
Usage pattern:
a swivel on [something]; attach [something] with a swivel
The leash has a swivel that stops it from tangling.
A pórázon forgókapocs van, így nem gabalyodik össze.
Use a swivel connector so the hose can rotate freely.
Használj forgócsatlakozót, hogy a tömlő szabadon tudjon forogni.
The mount includes a swivel for adjusting the angle.
Learner examples
This clip has a swivel.
Ezen a kapcson van egy forgócsukló.
The swivel keeps the rope from twisting.
A forgócsukló megakadályozza, hogy a kötél megcsavarodjon.
Common mistake:
Not the same as 'switch' (an electrical control) or 'hinge' (which usually opens and closes rather than rotating).
Meaning
rotating connector or joint
Collocations
hose swivel
|swivel joint
|swivel connector
|swivel fitting
|a 360-degree swivel
|attach a swivel
|a swivel mechanism
|a swivel mount
|a swivel clip
|a swivel base
Synonyms
rotary joint (More technical term for the same idea.)
|
pivot (Can refer to the turning point or the part that allows turning; less specific.)
Antonyms
fixed joint (A connection that does not allow rotation.)
|
rigid connector (A connector designed not to move or turn.)
Themes
tools
|engineering
|technical
Definition
A part that lets something turn without getting twisted.
A device or joint that allows one part to rotate freely while connected to another part, preventing twisting.
VERB
B1
4
Usage pattern:
[someone] swivels [their head/eyes] (toward/around/away)
Her head swivelled toward the door when it slammed.
Amikor becsapódott az ajtó, az ajtó felé kapta a fejét.
His eyes swivelled from the clock to the window.
A tekintete az óráról az ablakra ugrott.
People swivelled their heads to watch the parade go by.
Learner examples
I swivelled my head when I heard a noise.
Odakaptam a fejem, amikor zajt hallottam.
Common mistake:
Use 'swivel' when the movement is quick and turning; for small eye movement, 'glance' is often more natural.
Meaning
turn head or eyes quickly
Collocations
swivel your head
|swivel your eyes
|swivel his gaze
|swivel to look
|swivel toward the door
|swivel around at the sound
|eyes swivel
|head swivels
Synonyms
turn (More general and less vivid.)
|
whip around (Stronger; suggests a very fast, sudden turn.)
|
look around (Focuses on searching rather than the turning motion.)
Antonyms
stare (Keep looking in one direction.)
|
fix your gaze (Hold your eyes steadily on one thing.)
Themes
body
|perception
|daily_life
Definition
To quickly turn your head or eyes to look somewhere.
To turn your head or eyes quickly to look in a different direction, often because something has caught your attention.
Grammar
Dictionary form
swivel
IPA
GB/swˈɪvəl/
US/swˈɪvəl/
Syllables & stress
swiv - el (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (swiv)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: swivel
- 3rd Person Singular: swivels
- Present Participle: swiveling, swivelling
- Past: swiveled, swivelled
Expressions
keep your head on a swivel
1/kˈip jˈʊɹ hˈɛd ˈɔn ə swˈɪvəl/
fixed phrase
informal
stay alert and look around
Be careful and watch everything around you.
Examples
- Keep your head on a swivel when you’re crossing those bike lanes.
- The coach told the defenders to keep their heads on a swivel.
- If you’re cycling in traffic, keep your head on a swivel.
Learner examples
- Keep your head on a swivel in traffic.
on a swivel
1/ˈɔn ə swˈɪvəl/
idiom
informal
constantly watching for trouble
Always look around and be careful.
Examples
- When you’re travelling alone, keep your head on a swivel.
- The bouncer kept his eyes on a swivel all night.
- In that neighborhood, you have to be on a swivel after dark.
Learner examples
- On the street, keep your eyes on a swivel.
swivel around
1/swˈɪvəl ɚˈaʊnd/
phrasal verb
turn quickly to face behind
To turn quickly.
Examples
- He swivelled around when he heard footsteps behind him.
- She swivelled around in her chair to join the conversation.
- The dog swivelled around and ran back to the gate.
Learner examples
- I swivelled around to look.