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
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.
Everyone was for a ban on assault weapons and universal background checks. Mark Pazniokas, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2025 Hosny was charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, possession of a high-capacity magazine, possession of a firearm without a serial number and possession of an assault weapon. Muri Assunção, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2025 The Protect Illinois Communities Act prohibits the sale, manufacture, possession and purchase of assault-style weapons, assault weapon attachments and .50-caliber cartridges. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025 He was booked on charges including possession of an assault weapon, manufacturing guns with a 3D printer and possession of a silencer, according to police. Jason Green, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Assault weapon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assault%20weapon. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on assault weapon

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!