The word evolved yet again in the 19th century to become a verb indicating the act of turning, literally and figuratively, about a point ("The player pivoted and passed the ball"; "The plot pivots on revenge").

PIVOT meaning: 1. a fixed point supporting something that turns or balances 2. the central or most important…. Learn more.

PIVOT definition: a pin, point, or short shaft on the end of which something rests and turns, or upon and about which something rotates or oscillates. See examples of pivot used in a sentence.

1. To mount on, attach by, or provide with a pivot or pivots. 2. To cause to rotate, revolve, or turn: pivoted the telescope toward the island.

If someone or something pivots, they change direction. He pivoted to score with a powerful right-footed shot. [VERB]

To pivot is to turn or rotate, like a hinge. Or a basketball player pivoting back and forth on one foot to protect the ball. When you're not talking about a type of swiveling movement, you can use pivot to …

Look up pivot, pivoting, or pivots in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Pivot definition: A short rod or shaft on which a related part rotates or swings.

Dec 24, 2025 · Noun pivot (plural pivots) A thing on which something turns; specifically a metal pointed pin or short shaft in machinery, such as the end of an axle or spindle.

a whirling around on one foot: The soldier made a smart, sharp pivot. v. to turn on or as if on a pivot:[no object] He pivoted on his heel and left the room. pivot on, [~ + on + object] to depend or hinge or be …