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 Innes, who was initially charged with murder, pleaded guilty Wednesday to the manslaughter count, as well as a felony count of possessing an assault weapon and an allegation of using a dangerous weapon in the slaying. City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2024 The university previously prohibited investment in assault weapon retailers that facilitate sales to the general public. Solcyré Burga, TIME, 2 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for assault weapon 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'assault weapon.' 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

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assault weapon was in 1968

Dictionary Entries Near assault weapon

Cite this Entry

“Assault weapon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assault%20weapon. Accessed 29 May. 2024.

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!