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Definition of riveting

riveting

/ˈrɪv.ɪ.tɪŋ/
riv · et · ing
Adverb:rivetingly
•
Plural:rivetings
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riveting Lexical Profile

riveting Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Completely engrossing, fascinating, or compelling; holding one's full attention as if fastened in place.

Example

"The historian delivered a riveting lecture on the decipherment of ancient scripts."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

The act or process of fastening or joining metal plates or structural components together with rivets, or a set of rivets used in construction.

Example

"Inspectors examined the hull's riveting before approving the vessel for sea trials."

Synonyms
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• Nearby Words

riverway
rivet
riveter
riveting
rivetingly
riviera
rivulet

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed from the verb 'rivet' (Middle English, from Old French 'rivet', meaning a small nail or clinched bolt) plus the participial suffix '-ing'. The figurative adjective sense of holding someone's attention as securely as if fastened with metal bolts emerged in the early 19th century.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Riveting. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/riveting
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