automatic rifle

noun

1. a type of light machine gun capable of firing automatically or in single shots.

Word History and Origins

Origin of automatic rifle¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Bosnian police say the gunman used an automatic rifle to kill the school's employees before shooting himself, adding that he is in hospital in a critical condition.

From BBC

A bump stock is an attachment that converts a semi automatic rifle into a weapon that can fire as many as 800 rounds per minute - an intensity of gunfire matched by machine guns.

From Slate

“As soon as I heard automatic rifle shots, I started running, too,” she said.

From New York Times

We raced off towards the frontlines in his car at furious speed, an automatic rifle at his side, and the sound of incoming artillery fire booming through the open windows.

From BBC

An investigation into Mr. Filion began last year after he called the Sanford Police Department in Florida on May 12, 2023, and said that he was heading into the Al Hayy mosque with a fully automatic rifle to carry out a mass shooting, according to an arrest affidavit.

From New York Times