revolver

[ri-vol-ver]

noun

1. a handgun having a revolving revolving chambered cylinder for holding a number of cartridges, which may be discharged in succession without reloading.

2. a person or thing that revolves.

revolver

/ rɪˈvɒlvə /

noun

1. a pistol having a revolving multichambered cylinder that allows several shots to be discharged without reloading

Word History and Origins

Origin of revolver¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; revolve + -er ¹

Example Sentences

On 22 September, 1975, Moore fired a .38-caliber revolver she had purchased hours earlier at Ford, but missed.

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The rituals of punishing those with the wrong allegiance now found expression in the mass-produced revolver and later in the automatic rifle.

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He kept the .38 revolver, a gift from his son, under his pillow.

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The assassin concealed himself behind an ice machine in a crowded kitchen pantry of the Ambassador Hotel with an eight-shot revolver.

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He ran out to one of his men, who gave him a revolver.

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