assault rifle

noun

Synonyms of assault riflenext
: 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.
Who needs an assault rifle with a 100-round cylinder? Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026 With a helicopter circling overhead, police in armored vehicles rolled up to the Sunshine Motel in downtown San Bernardino and jumped out with assault rifles at the ready. Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026 According to Tejada, police found that Jones allegedly had an AR-15 assault rifle in his bookbag. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 1 May 2026 Guardsmen opened fire on the cargo ships, then stormed the vessels, carrying assault rifles. Jon Gambrell, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Assault rifle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assault%20rifle. Accessed 6 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

assault rifle

noun
: any of various especially automatic rifles designed for military use

called also assault weapon

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