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 The stockpile of assault rifles intercepted by federal agents were bound for Mexico, according to prosecutors. Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 6 June 2024 In the kitchen, she was always intimidated by her mother, a tough, fearless woman who as a teenager had faced down assault rifles and felt the tremble of bombs in the streets of San Salvador. Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 5 June 2024 In exchange, prosecutors dropped four felony charges related to the possession and sale of assault rifles, records show. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 3 June 2024 The man later pleaded guilty to misdemeanors including violating the order to hand over the gun, not storing the gun safely and possessing an assault weapon; the gun had been modified in such a way it was considered an assault rifle under California law. Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for assault rifle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assault rifle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assault rifle was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near assault rifle

Cite this Entry

“Assault rifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assault%20rifle. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.

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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