assault weapon

noun

: any of various automatic or semiautomatic firearms
especially : assault rifle

Examples of assault weapon 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.
Leaders from duPont Manual's chapter of Students Demand Action called for a ban on assault weapons and organized a walkout yesterday with hundreds of students. Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 6 Sep. 2025 Also on Friday, a coalition of faith leaders and advocates held a news conference at the Capitol to call for an immediate legislative special session to ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Imani Cruzen, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025 As part of their demands, the students demanded state and federal lawmakers pass laws banning assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 5 Sep. 2025 The state passed a law in 2023 requiring gun buyers to pass universal background checks and to obtain permits for pistols or semiautomatic military-style assault weapons. Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for assault weapon

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assault weapon was in 1968

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Cite this Entry

“Assault weapon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assault%20weapon. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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