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automatic rifle

noun
  1. a type of light machine gun capable of firing automatically or in single shots.
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Origin of automatic rifle

First recorded in 1875–80
Also called automatic, machine rifle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for automatic rifle

Historical Examples

  • He was eventually made corporal of an automatic-rifle squad.

    Average Americans

    Theodore Roosevelt

  • As a rule, bombing, machine-gun, and automatic-rifle fire practice came in the mornings.