revolver

noun

re·​volv·​er ri-ˈväl-vər How to pronounce revolver (audio)
-ˈvȯl-
also -ˈvä-vər
or -ˈvȯ-vər
Synonyms of revolvernext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Artisanal weapons and revolvers have been increasingly relegated to rural areas, smaller criminal groups and individuals, while over the past two years gangs have been procuring larger numbers of more lethal weaponry. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 How did a live round get into the revolver and who brought the lethal ammunition to the set? — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2026 On June 29, a New Haven Superior Court jury found Stokes guilty of murder, criminal attempt to commit improper sale of a firearm, conspiracy to commit improper sale of a firearm and carrying a pistol or revolver without a permit. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Sep. 2026 Authorities concluded that Haught had died accidentally while playing Russian roulette with a revolver, but that finding was later questioned. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for revolver

Word History

Etymology

revolve + -er entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of revolver was circa 1835

Rhymes for revolver

See All Rhymes for revolver

Browse Nearby Words

revolvency
revolver
revolvered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Revolver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/revolver. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

revolver

noun
re·​volv·​er ri-ˈväl-vər How to pronounce revolver (audio)
-ˈvȯl-
: a handgun having a revolving cylinder holding several bullets all of which may be shot without loading again

More from Merriam-Webster on revolver

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for revolver

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about revolver

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