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

Along Foreman’s flight path, police found a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol, both of which were used to fire at the victims. —Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025

Hard work could never compete with a steam engine in pulling a train; decades of training in swordsmanship could never compete with a revolver. —Radu Magdin, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Hunters may use all archery equipment, muzzle-loading guns, shotguns, centerfire rifles, revolvers and pistols and pre-charge pneumatic air guns to harvest bears. —Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025

The system features a 30mm x 173 KCE revolver gun and short-range surface-to-air missiles. —Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 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