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pivot

v. · n.
US //ˈpɪvət// UK //pˈɪvət// piv·ot
  1. 1 to turn on a spot (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to turn your body or an object while staying in one place.

    to rotate or turn on or as if on a central point. Intransitive use is common in physical descriptions.

    Example

    The dancer had to pivot on one foot to face the back of the stage.

    Example

    The heavy telescope is designed to pivot smoothly on its base, allowing astronomers to track celestial bodies across the night sky with minimal effort.
  2. 2 to change strategy (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Business

    to quickly change your plans or way of doing things, especially in business.

    to fundamentally change the direction or strategy of a business or project in response to market feedback or new data.

    Example

    The company decided to pivot to online sales after their physical shops closed.

    Example

    Recognising that their original software was too complex for the average user, the startup decided to pivot toward a simplified mobile-first interface.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'to' or 'away from'.
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  1. 3 a central point (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a pin or point that something turns on.

    a short shaft or pin on which something turns or oscillates.

    Example

    The gate was heavy, so the metal pivot at the bottom had to be very strong.

    Example

    The engineer inspected the central pivot of the bridge, ensuring that the rotational mechanism remained free of corrosion and debris.
  2. 4 a key person or thing (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the most important person or thing that a situation depends on.

    a person or thing on which something else depends or turns; a central or crucial factor.

    Example

    The young midfielder became the pivot of the team's entire attacking strategy.

    Example

    The trade agreement served as the pivot for the region's economic recovery, providing the stability necessary for long-term foreign investment.
  3. 5 a change in message (n.)
    C1 Advanced American English Politics

    a change in what a politician says to appeal to more voters.

    a strategic shift in a political candidate's messaging, typically toward the centre, during a general election campaign.

    Example

    After the primary, the candidate made a pivot to talk more about the economy.

    Example

    Political analysts noted the senator's subtle pivot toward moderate voters in the final weeks before the general election.
Origin

From Middle English pevet, *pivot, from Old French pivot (“hinge pin, pivot”) (12th c.), possibly from Latin pūgiō.

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