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

After pushing the door open, Gavitt pointed a .38-caliber revolver at the stepson, who also was armed with a handgun and still prone. —Bill Laytner, Detroit Free Press, 17 July 2024

Two weeks later in San Francisco, Sara Jane Moore — a former FBI informant who had previously been evaluated by the Secret Service — fired a revolver from 40 feet away of Ford and missed the president just narrowly, after bystanders intervened. —Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 16 July 2024

The shooter, John Hinckley Jr., fired six rounds from a .22-caliber revolver at the president, who had his hand raised, waving to the crowd. —Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 16 July 2024

President Ronald Reagan was leaving the Washington Hilton hotel after giving a speech to a union group when John W. Hinckley Jr. opened fire from his .22-caliber revolver. —Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 14 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

revolve + -er entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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