assault rifle

noun

: any of various intermediate-range, magazine-fed military rifles (such as the AK-47) that can be set for automatic or semiautomatic fire
also : a rifle that resembles a military assault rifle but is designed to allow only semiautomatic fire

Examples of assault rifle 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.
In his car was an AK-47 style assault rifle and 66 rounds of ammunition. Katrina Kaufman, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2025 The assailants arrived w/ batons, knives, and at least 1 assault rifle; many masked. Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 25 Mar. 2025 Healey ordered the shelter inspections after police arrested Leonardo Andujar Sanchez of the Dominican Republic for allegedly possessing five kilos of fentanyl and an assault rifle while staying at an emergency shelter in Revere. Chris Van Buskirk, Boston Herald, 25 Mar. 2025 Some of the attackers were masked, while others allegedly carried batons, knives, and at least one assault rifle. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assault rifle

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assault rifle was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Assault rifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assault%20rifle. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

assault rifle

noun
: any of various especially automatic rifles designed for military use

called also assault weapon

More from Merriam-Webster on assault rifle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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