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

Laws prohibiting the possession of assault weapons, for example, are of recent vintage. — Brian Fitzpatrick, The Conversation, 28 Sep. 2026

Mitchell, who served three terms as an Illinois state representative, has been a deputy governor in the Pritzker administration since 2019, and touts his work focused on expanding use of clean energy and banning assault weapons. — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

The ruling also follows a July appeals court decision that found New Jersey’s assault weapons ban unconstitutional, which allowed Smallwood, 32, to withdraw his plea. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

Valdez was booked on suspicion of brandishing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an assault weapon and possession of a suppressor. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above