Pivot

Pivot

Noun & Verb · /ˈpɪvət/ · a central turning point or strategic change of direction

Definition

As a noun, a pivot is the central pin or shaft on which something rotates. Figuratively, it is the person or thing on which everything else depends. As a verb, to pivot means to turn on a central point, or — in modern business and tech usage — to make a decisive strategic shift while retaining core strengths.

Origin

From French pivot (hinge pin, axis), itself from Old Italian piva (pipe, peg). Entered English in the early 17th century as a mechanical term. The business usage exploded after Eric Ries popularised it in The Lean Startup (2011).