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.
Ronald McDonald pulling on a Marlboro Red, an assault rifle slung across his back while on break from operating the Happy Meal command center/ball pit? Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 14 May 2025 Officers carrying assault rifles can be seen along the edge of a crowd of students evacuated from a building on campus. Graham Hurley, Aaron Fisher and Katherine Jennings, CNN Money, 19 Apr. 2025 Brazil raids homes of arms smugglers SAO PAULO -- Brazil's federal police on Thursday raided the homes of smugglers who brought in 2,000 assault rifles from Miami to supply a criminal organization in Rio de Janeiro, authorities said. Compiled By Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 21 Mar. 2025 The Sumter County Sheriff's office alleges that Arthur Leonard, 80, walked into his neighbors' house with an assault rifle on the night of April 16 and began firing at the 10 or 11 people inside the dwelling at that time. Chris Spargo, People.com, 21 Apr. 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 24 May. 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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