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
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Republican Divide Over Gaza Grows in Wake of Trump’s Calls for More Aid The measure on assault rifles failed by 72-27, blocked by 17 Democrats and all Republican senators. Solcyré Burga, Time, 31 July 2025 Tamura used the frame to build the assault rifle, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said in a pre-recorded video to department personnel Tuesday. Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 29 July 2025 The gunman, identified as 27-year-old Shane Devin Tamura entered the high-rise shortly before 6:30 p.m., carrying an assault rifle. Dianna Russini, New York Times, 29 July 2025 Guns were recovered from two young people, including one who had an assault rifle stuffed in the front of his trousers, Bailey added. Brendan Cole, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 July 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 5 Aug. 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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