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 suspect, who was armed with a revolver handgun, opened fire inside and outside of the school while some students were at lunch. —Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025

Investigators believe the 16-year-old opened fire with a revolver. —Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 15 Sep. 2025

Investigators believe the 16-year-old shooter opened fire with a revolver. —Shelly Bradbury, Boston Herald, 15 Sep. 2025

Federal partners including the FBI and NCIS will assist with digital forensics and evidence collection; prosecutors will decide whether any third parties, including caregivers, could face charges related to firearm access as the ownership and access to the revolver remain under investigation. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 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