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 Instead, what voters are seeing is far more absurd: A video of former President Trump riding a cat while wielding an assault rifle. Dan Merica, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024 Standing under a drizzle at Friday’s candlelight vigil, Winder native John George questioned why anyone would need an assault rifle like the AR-style weapon used in the shooting. Melissa Cruz, USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024 Those exports include explosives and explosive devices, assault rifles and components of military aircraft. Fatima Al-Kassab, NPR, 3 Sep. 2024 Ralph Baze Age: 69 County of crime: Powell Time on death row: 30 years In January 1992, Baze killed two police officers — Powell County Sheriff Steve Bennett and Deputy Arthur Briscoe — with an assault rifle after the officers went to Baze’s home to serve him an arrest warrant. Rachel Smith, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 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 5 Nov. 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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