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.
The 24-year-old, who fired an AR-15-style assault rifle from a rooftop into the parade’s crowd, is expected to spend the rest of his life behind bars. Chicago Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025 The assault rifle that was allegedly going to be used to carry out the murder. Dennis Romero, NBC News, 22 Mar. 2025 The warrants allegedly led to the discovery and seizure of 10 firearms, including assault rifles, 220 grams of cocaine, $116,000 in U.S currency and a 2018 Dodge Ram. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 Mar. 2025 The independent dealer Catalina Pawn in Tucson, Arizona, sold 132 pistols, assault rifles and rifle receivers to three people between Oct. 29, 2021, and Feb. 7, 2022. Sean Campbell, The Conversation, 23 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Assault rifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assault%20rifle. Accessed 18 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!