assault weapon

noun

Synonyms of assault weaponnext
: 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.
Assault weapons and crime Opponents of assault weapons restrictions are correct in pointing out that such weapons are rarely used in crimes committed with guns. — Robert Spitzer, The Conversation, 8 Oct. 2026 Gomez said that masked ICE agents were armed with assault weapons. — Kerry Burke, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026 The Supreme Court will hear arguments over Cook County's assault weapons ban at the beginning of December. — Sara Tenenbaum, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 About a dozen states have banned semiautomatic rifles like AR-15s, which are often called assault weapons. — ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

assault rifle
assault weapon
assay
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Assault weapon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assault%20weapon. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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