# swivel

/ˈswɪvəɫ/ (US) · /swˈɪvəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/swivel
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a small, sharp hook used in fishing to catch fish like carp. It is also a slang word for a small, sharp knife used by soldiers to cut things like ropes or wire.

For teachers: a small, sharp hook used in carp fishing; also a slang term for a small, sharp knife carried by military personnel. Often used in the phrase 'to swivel' to describe the act of cutting with such a tool.

## Examples

- He used a swivel to catch the carp in the lake.
- The soldier kept a swivel in his pocket to cut through the thick vines blocking the path.
- While the primary function of the swivel is to secure the line, it is also a vital piece of equipment for any carp angler looking to manage heavy weights and tangled knots.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.