assault rifle


noun

a military rifle capable of both automatic and semiautomatic fire, utilizing an intermediate-power cartridge.
a nonmilitary weapon modeled on the military assault rifle, usually modified to allow only semiautomatic fire.

Origin of assault rifle

First recorded in 1970–75

British Dictionary definitions for assault rifle

assault rifle

assault weapon


noun

mainly US a semiautomatic firearm with additional features such as a large magazine, a bayonet fitting, etc