revolve

verb

re·​volve ri-ˈvälv How to pronounce revolve (audio)
-ˈvȯlv
also -ˈväv
or -ˈvȯv
revolved; revolving
Synonyms of revolve

transitive verb

1
a
: rotate sense 1
The software allows you to revolve images.
b
obsolete : to cause to go round in an orbit
2
: to turn over at length in the mind : ponder
revolve a scheme

intransitive verb

1
a
: to move in a curved path round a center or axis
b
: to turn or roll round on an axis
2
: to have or come to a specified focus : center
—usually used with around
the dispute revolved around wages
3
: recur
4
a
: to ponder something
b
: to remain under consideration
ideas revolved in his mind
revolvable
ri-ˈväl-və-bəl How to pronounce revolve (audio)
-ˈvȯl-
also -ˈvä-və-
or -ˈvȯ-və-
adjective

Synonyms of revolve

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Examples of revolve in a Sentence

As the gear revolves, it turns the other gears. The Earth revolves on its axis. The software allows you to revolve images.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Along with the tempo and play-making trio, West Virginia’s philosophy also revolves heavily around getting playmakers in space. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Oct. 2026 This part of the invoice financing process functions similarly to a revolving line of credit. — Andrew Coon, Forbes.com, 20 Oct. 2026 For veterinary practice owners who want flexible access to working capital for ongoing expenses, unexpected costs or growth opportunities, Bluevine offers a revolving business line of credit of up to $250,000. — Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2026 On the Ryder-shot ROADRUNNER cover, Destin is sitting on a revolving chair in an old-school Jamaican hair salon. — Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for revolve

Word History

Etymology

Middle English revolven "to pass (of time), wind round, roll," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French revolver "to turn, turn over (in the mind)," borrowed from Latin revolvere "to roll back to a starting point, bring back round, (passive) travel in a circular course, return to a starting point," from re- re- + volvere "to set in a circular course, cause to roll, bring round" — more at wallow entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 21

Time Traveler
The first known use of revolve was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing revolve

Rhymes for revolve

See All Rhymes for revolve

Browse Nearby Words

revolvable
revolve
revolve around
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Revolve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revolve. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

revolve

verb
re·​volve ri-ˈvälv How to pronounce revolve (audio)
-ˈvȯlv
revolved; revolving
1
: to think over carefully
2
a
: to move in an orbit
b
: to turn on or as if on an axis : rotate
3
: recur sense 3
4
: to have as a main point
the argument revolved around wages
revolvable
-ˈväl-və-bəl How to pronounce revolve (audio)
-ˈvȯl-
adjective
Etymology

Middle English revolven "to turn over in the mind, cause to go around (on an axis)," from Latin revolvere "to roll back, cause to return," from re- "back, again" and volvere "to roll" — related to volume see Word History at volume

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