assault rifle

American  

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.

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assault rifle British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of assault rifle

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Der Spiegel, among other German outlets, reported that the shipment contained 10,000 rounds of live ammunition for pistols, 9,900 rounds of blank bullets for assault rifles, and smoke grenades.

From BBC

"I was a serving soldier. I had regular access to assault rifles, pistols, machine guns, sniper rifles. At no point there was there any risk or threat to the public."

From BBC

On Saturday mornings, we have two or three guards wearing camo and flak jackets carrying assault rifles.

From The Wall Street Journal

The prosecutor said two assault rifles, a semi-automatic pistol and almost 200 rounds of ammunition were found in the vehicle.

From BBC

“Don’t be caught here after dark,” said the jittery cop, who brandished an assault rifle as he scanned the environs.

From Los Angeles Times