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

They pointed their automatic rifles at the occupants, ordering everyone out.

From Time

Minutes later, prosecutors allege, Carrillo ambushed three deputy sheriffs, opening fire with a silenced automatic rifle and hurling a homemade pipe bomb from a concealed position on a steep embankment some 40 feet from the deputies.

From ProPublica

By then the S-75 had earned a reputation similar to that of the ubiquitous AK-47 automatic rifle, designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov.

From The Daily Beast

Authorities also found a shotgun and an unregistered AK-47 automatic rifle in the home.

From The Daily Beast

He was eventually made corporal of an automatic-rifle squad.

From Project Gutenberg

Across his saddle horn rested a long-barrelled automatic rifle, of latest make and pattern.

From Project Gutenberg

By its very nature the expedition was composed exclusively of infantry divisions carrying the latest type of automatic rifle.

From Project Gutenberg

The fact that each of those Boches was armed with an automatic rifle as precise and effective as his own, Butrel ignored.

From Project Gutenberg

Young Wickson put his hands up first, then turned to confront Biedenbach, who held a thirty-thirty automatic rifle on him.

From Project Gutenberg