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

The firearm found at the scene was later determined to be a gold lighter manufactured to appear as a revolver. —Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026

When Friedmann turned back around, Gambill was pointing his revolver at him. —James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026

But all the while, the revolver sat in an Oakland Police Department locker, without police in Emeryville or Oakland aware of its potential link to Appleby’s killing. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2026

Inside, the deputy located two revolvers and ammunition. —Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2026

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