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.
Meanwhile, National Guard troops patrolled monuments and Metro stations, some with assault rifles. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025 Officers later found an assault rifle and ammunition in his truck parked just outside the terminal. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025 An assault rifle was located in his vehicle, police said. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2025 Police searched Cagle's Chevrolet flatbed and found the assault rifle with 27 rounds. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 20 Oct. 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 29 Oct. 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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