assault rifle

noun

1. a military rifle capable of both automatic and semiautomatic fire, utilizing an intermediate-power cartridge.
2. a nonmilitary weapon modeled on the military assault rifle, usually modified to allow only semiautomatic fire.

assault rifle

noun

1. a semiautomatic firearm with additional features such as a large magazine, a bayonet fitting, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of assault rifle¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

At the top end, that’s about 2,460 mph, or roughly 700 mph faster than a bullet from a typical assault rifle.

From Popular-Science

On a nearby table was a cache of weapons that authorities said they had seized, including assault rifles and machetes, as well as a tableau of the men’s passports.

From Washington Post

A search of his home found a legal arsenal of 15 firearms including assault rifles, a sniper rifle and tripod, other types of rifles, shotguns and pistols, a drum-style magazine, and other magazines and ammunition.

From Washington Post

The men, more than a dozen in all, did not carry assault rifles.

From Time

Gunplay feels sharp and snappy, with your regular assortment of SMGs, shotguns and assault rifles.

From Washington Post

In their midst stands a soldier with the Lebanese armed forces in a red beret, sporting an assault rifle and an unblinking stare.

From The Daily Beast

He used the powerful assault rifle issued to all guards on tower duty.

From The Daily Beast

Johnson is the first cop not wearing riot gear and carrying an assault rifle to walk down Florissant in the past few days.

From The Daily Beast

And returning a Glock pistol and assault rifle to a gentleman named Wayne Rogers, after he shot his “drinking buddy.”

From The Daily Beast

In America, a madman on a mission like his would no doubt have carried automatic pistols and probably an assault rifle.

From The Daily Beast