English Reference
noun

revolver

n.
US /ɹɪˈvɑɫvɝ/ UK /ɹɪvˈɒlvɐ/ re·volver UK spelling revolvers

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    a handgun that has a spinning cylinder which holds several bullets.

    a handgun with a revolving cylinder that allows multiple shots to be fired without manual reloading.

    Simple

    The detective found an old revolver hidden in the desk drawer.

    In context

    The museum's collection includes a rare nineteenth-century revolver, notable for its intricate engravings and early mechanical design.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Technical Finance

    a type of bank loan that a company can use, pay back, and use again whenever they need it.

    a revolving line of credit that allows a borrower to draw down, repay, and redraw funds up to a specified limit.

    Simple

    The company used its revolver to pay for the new equipment.

    In context

    The corporation secured a five-year revolver to ensure they had sufficient liquidity for their upcoming international expansion.

    Usage

    Often used as a shorthand for 'revolving credit facility' in corporate finance.

    revolving creditline of credit
    term loan
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical

    a person or thing that turns or rotates around a central point.

    an agent or mechanical device that revolves or causes something to rotate.

    Simple

    The machine has a small revolver that turns the glass as it cools.

    In context

    The industrial design featured a central revolver to distribute the raw materials evenly across the processing belt.

    rotatorspinner

Under the first phase of the scheme, $1,000 will be paid for revolvers and $850 for semi-automatic handguns.

The Guardian· 16 Aug 2026

From revolve + er, coined by American inventor Samuel Colt in 1835.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated