Revolver

/rɪˈvɒlvər/

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

A type of pistol with a revolving cylinder containing multiple chambers for bullets.

/rɪˈvɒlvər/

nounneutralBeginner
General

A handgun with a revolving cylinder holding multiple cartridges.

The detective drew his revolver from its holster.

💡 Simply: Imagine a gun where you can fire several bullets without reloading, like a little wheel that spins with each shot. That's a revolver!

👶 For kids: A gun that spins around to shoot bullets.

More Examples

2

He cautiously checked the chambers of his revolver before entering the building.

3

The old west was characterized by the prevalence of revolvers.

How It's Used

Military

"The soldier holstered his revolver."

Crime

"The suspect was apprehended with a revolver."

Historical

"Cowboys in the Wild West often carried revolvers."

From French *revolver*, from Latin *revolvere* ('to roll back, turn around'). The term originally referred to a revolving firearm that could fire multiple rounds without reloading.

Revolvers gained prominence in the 19th century, becoming a staple of military and civilian use, particularly in the American West.

Memory tip

Think of a 'revolving' cylinder that keeps turning to fire bullets.

revolvverrevolveer

Usage

25%Spoken
75%Written