assault rifle
The term "assault rifle" is often misunderstood and misused; it specifically refers to a type of firearm designed for military use with selective fire capabilities.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Military
(technical, formal)A firearm designed for military use that can switch between automatic and semi-automatic fire, uses an intermediate-power cartridge, and has a detachable magazine.
Example
- The soldier was equipped with an assault rifle capable of both automatic and semi-automatic fire.
- The AK-47 is one of the most well-known assault rifles in the world.
C1Colloquial
(informal, misused)Any firearm that resembles a military rifle and is often mistakenly labeled as such, including semi-automatic versions.
Example
- Many people incorrectly refer to the AR-15 as an assault rifle.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "assault rifle":