assault weapon

noun

Synonyms of assault weaponnext
: any of various automatic or semiautomatic firearms
especially : assault rifle

Examples of assault weapon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The ruling also follows a July appeals court decision that found New Jersey’s assault weapons ban unconstitutional, which allowed Smallwood, 32, to withdraw his plea. — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 Valdez was booked on suspicion of brandishing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of an assault weapon and possession of a suppressor. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026 Sheriff’s officials said he previously had been arrested on suspicion of possessing an assault weapon and being a felon in possession of a firearm. — Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 The high court will again focus on Illinois next session, examining whether Cook County's assault weapons ban is constitutional. — Chris Tye, CBS News, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for assault weapon

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of assault weapon was in 1968

Browse Nearby Words

assault rifle
assault weapon
assay
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Assault weapon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/assault%20weapon. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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