revolver

noun

re·​volv·​er ri-ˈväl-vər 

-ˈvȯl-,

 also  -ˈvä-vər,

 or  -ˈvȯ-vər

1

: one that revolves

2

: a handgun with a cylinder of several chambers brought successively into line with the barrel and discharged with the same hammer

Examples of revolver in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Machine guns and pump action guns are banned, while the ownership of revolvers, pistols and semi-automatic weapons are allowed only with official authorization. —USA Today, 11 June 2025

Machine guns and pump action guns are banned, but the ownership of revolvers, pistols and even semi-automatic weapons is allowed as long as applicants go through a permitting and licensing process. —Rob Schmitz, NPR, 10 June 2025

The bill would cover anyone convicted of those misdemeanors in another state during the past eight years; they would now be blocked from getting a pistol or revolver permit, lawmakers said. —Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 8 June 2025

Investigators found surveillance video showing Kemp grabbing the revolver and immediately shooting at the SUV at the mall parking lot. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 28 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

revolve + -er entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for revolver

• resolver
• solver

Kids Definition

revolver

noun

re·​volv·​er ri-ˈväl-vər 

-ˈvȯl-

: a handgun having a revolving cylinder holding several bullets all of which may be shot without loading again