rivet

Everyday

1. (noun) A short metal pin used to join pieces of metal or leather; its end is hammered flat to hold it. tree →
2. (verb) To fasten something with rivets. tree →
3. (verb) To hold someone's attention completely: "The film riveted us." tree →
4. "Riveted to the spot" means unable to move, from fear or surprise. tree →

In the lessons

In design and technology, rivets join metal sheets; ships, bridges and planes have thousands. Jeans have small copper rivets on the pockets. In stories, a riveting book is so exciting you cannot stop reading, and a character "riveted to the spot" is frozen in fear. Phrases: riveted to the screen, riveted to the spot, a riveting story.

Examples

• The old ship was held together by thousands of rivets. tree →
• Look at the little metal rivets on your jeans. tree →
• The workers riveted the steel beams together. tree →
• The whole class was riveted by the story. tree →
• She stood riveted to the spot when she saw the bear. tree →
• It was a riveting match right to the last second. tree →
• "I haven't half enough rivets in the shop. tree →

Note

Past form: riveted (one t, in UK and US). Adjective: riveting (very exciting). Do not confuse with "rivet" and "ribbit" (frog noise).