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.
Eyewitnesses told authorities Sanford got out of his truck shooting at members with an assault rifle then set off an inferno as terrified members rushed to get everyone out of the building. Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025 Investigators said Thomas Sanford, 40, of Burton rammed his pickup truck into the church, jumped out and began firing an assault rifle at congregants. John Wisely, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025 The attack targeted a Mormon Church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, with the gunman driving a pickup truck adorned with American flags into the building before opening fire with an assault rifle, and setting the building on fire. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025 Some videos showed Rocha shooting what appeared to be an assault rifle. Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 3 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 7 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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