semiautomatic

[sem-ee-aw-tuh-mat-ik, sem-ahy-]

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.

noun

1. a self-loading rifle or other firearm.

semiautomatic

/ ˌsɛmɪˌɔːtəˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. partly automatic

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

noun

1. a semiautomatic firearm

Other Word Forms

• semiautomatically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of semiautomatic¹

First recorded in 1890–95; semi- + automatic

Example Sentences

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.

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At prosecutors' request, the agent stood before the jury holding the SKS semiautomatic rifle they allege Routh obtained illegally and used in the assassination attempt.

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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.

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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.

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In opinion polls, most Americans are opposed to a ban on handgun possession but they support a ban on semiautomatic assault rifles.

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