semiautomatic

American  

[sem-ee-aw-tuh-mat-ik, sem-ahy-] / ˌsɛm iˌɔ təˈmæt ɪk, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

adjective

1. partly automatic.

2. (of a firearm) automatically ejecting the cartridge case of a fired shot and loading the next cartridge from the magazine but requiring a squeeze of the trigger to fire each individual shot.

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noun

1. a self-loading rifle or other firearm.

semiautomatic British  

/ ˌsɛmɪˌɔːtəˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. partly automatic

2. (of a firearm) self-loading but firing only one shot at each pull of the trigger Compare automatic

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noun

1. a semiautomatic firearm

Other Word Forms

• semiautomatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of semiautomatic

First recorded in 1890–95; semi- + automatic

Example Sentences

Australia banned most automatic and semiautomatic guns, introduced strict licensing requirements and implemented a gun buyback program.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, it was a place to gather reinforcements, so the convoy stopped under the town’s welcome arch and officers wielding AR-15 semiautomatic weapons found high ground to watch for threats.

From Los Angeles Times

The department shared photos of a semiautomatic handgun with a wrapped grip and attached flashlight that authorities say belonged to the suspect, who has not been identified.

From Los Angeles Times

Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation said they found a SKS semiautomatic rifle with a scope and extended magazine in the area where Routh was hiding.

From BBC

Agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation found an SKS semiautomatic rifle with a scope and extended magazine in the area where Routh had been hiding.

From BBC