pivot
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To make a sudden or swift change in strategy, policy, etc. — To change the direction of a business, usually in response to changes in the market.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Mr. Shah’s new business has signed up 25 New York City hotels and raised $1.5 million from angel investors and $3 million from a seed round. Yet three months into his new project, he has had to pivot again, realizing that his best customers are large businesses, not individuals.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “pivot” mean?
To make a sudden or swift change in strategy, policy, etc. — To change the direction of a business, usually in response to changes in the market.
Is “pivot” formal or informal?
pivot is generally slang.