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

According to local law enforcement, the suspect crashed a pickup truck through the front door of the church, where hundreds of people were worshipping, then got out of the vehicle and started shooting with an assault rifle. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025

The suspect, later identified as Sanford, used an assault rifle, according to police. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025

Chaos and bloodshed swept through a Grand Blanc Township church Sunday morning when police said an armed 40-year-old man rammed a pickup truck into the chapel during services and then opened fire on hundreds of people gathered inside with an assault rifle. —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Freep.com, 28 Sep. 2025

Police described the shooter's weapon as an assault rifle. —Chris Arnold, NPR, 28 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for assault rifle

• hyphal
• stifle
• trifle

Kids Definition

assault rifle

noun

: any of various especially automatic rifles designed for military use

called also assault weapon