: a headed pin or bolt of metal used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head
riveted; riveting; rivets
1
: to fasten with or as if with rivets
2
: to upset the end or point of (something, such as a metallic pin, rod, or bolt) by beating or pressing so as to form a head
3
: to fasten or fix firmly
stood riveted by fright
4
: to attract and hold (something, such as a person's attention) completely
riveter
noun
Examples of rivet in a Sentence
Verb
The iron plates are riveted rather than welded.
everyone riveted their eyes on the trick that the magician was performing on stage
Recent Examples on the Web
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 July 2025
Fritz Hansen cutter wardrobe Frama rivet side table Fredericia
silhouette rectangular mirror
Frama
shelf library stainless steel
Beam
Based in Brooklyn, Beam carries a variety of home goods and decor carefully selected from around the globe.
—Erika Owen, Vogue, 6 June 2025
Peter Bart, Deadline, 17 July 2025
The gruesome case has riveted the public and has already been featured in multiple true crime documentaries.
—Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivet
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Noun
Pieces from the capsules feature camouflage, shimmering fabrics, floral embroidery, rhinestones, rivets and unexpected silhouettes, all crafted with beach days, poolside hangs and party nights in mind.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 25 July 2025
Fritz Hansen cutter wardrobe Frama rivet side table Fredericia
silhouette rectangular mirror
Frama
shelf library stainless steel
Beam
Based in Brooklyn, Beam carries a variety of home goods and decor carefully selected from around the globe.
—Erika Owen, Vogue, 6 June 2025
Verb
YouTube and Netflix together account for 20% of TV viewing – news that would seemingly rivet advertiser attention.
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 17 July 2025
The gruesome case has riveted the public and has already been featured in multiple true crime documentaries.
—Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rivet
Cite this Entry
“Rivet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rivet. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
rivet
1 of 2 noun
riv·et
ˈriv-ət 
: a metal bolt with a head at one end used for uniting two or more pieces by passing the shank through a hole in each piece and then beating or pressing down the plain end so as to make a second head
rivet
2 of 2 verb1
: to fasten with or as if with rivets
2
: to attract and hold (as one's attention) completely
riveter
noun
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