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

Other shows of force included armed men wielding assault rifles marching through a market in the Zeitoun area followed by a small group waving a Palestinian flag.

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

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Groves was convicted of second degree murder in October 2024 after he fired an assault rifle into a Mardi Gras block party, killing two adults, CBS reported.

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Two men accused of plotting to kill Jewish people in Manchester planned to cause "untold harm" after buying assault rifles capable of killing hundreds of people, a court has heard.

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The resolutions moved to block a $675.7 million package that included thousands of bombs and precision‑guidance kits and a separate sale of tens of thousands of fully automatic assault rifles.

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