What kind of firearm is characterized by having a cylinder that holds bullets and is capable of firing multiple rounds?

A revolver is a type of firearm that is specifically designed with a rotating cylinder which holds multiple rounds of ammunition. This mechanism allows the shooter to fire several times without the need to reload after each shot. When the trigger is pulled, the cylinder rotates to align a new cartridge with the barrel, making it ready to fire again. This characteristic of having a cylinder enables revolvers to store and fire multiple rounds, distinguishing them from other types of firearms.

In contrast, a pistol typically refers to a semi-automatic handgun, which uses a magazine to hold ammunition and automatically chambers the next round after firing. A shotgun is designed to fire a spread of shot or a single projectile, typically utilizing a different loading and firing mechanism than a revolver. A carbine is a lightweight rifle with a shorter barrel than a standard rifle, also utilizing magazines for ammunition but lacking the cylinder feature of a revolver. Thus, the defining characteristic of a revolver is its unique cylinder mechanism, which allows it to fire multiple rounds effectively.