weapon

1 of 2

noun

weap·​on ˈwe-pən 

1

: something (such as a club, knife, or gun) used to injure, defeat, or destroy

2

: a means of contending against another

weapon

2 of 2

verb

weaponed; weaponing; weapons

transitive verb

: arm

Examples of weapon in a Sentence

Noun

assault with a deadly weapon

The pitcher's slider is his most effective weapon.

a new weapon in the fight against cancer

The mayor's campaign unleashed its secret weapon.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some have even sought alternative nuclear suppliers in China and Russia, given U.S. refusal to provide an indigenous enrichment program, a critical element for states seeking the weapon option. —Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024

However, in San Diego County and across the nation, people shot with the weapons have died or been seriously injured. —Lyndsay Winkley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2024

Verb

Three other males were charged with felony murder, as party to a crime, in addition to weapon and carjacking charges as well. —Drake Bentley, Journal Sentinel, 29 May 2024

Nor would second-tier nuclear powers need to match China, Russia, and the United States weapon for weapon. —Andrew F. Krepinevich Jr., Foreign Affairs, 19 Apr. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English wepen, from Old English wǣpen; akin to Old High German wāffan weapon, Old Norse vāpn

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing weapon

• assault weapon
• beam weapon
• biological weapon
• chemical weapon
• murder weapon
• weapon of last resort
• weapon of mass destruction

Kids Definition

weapon

noun

weap·​on

ˈwep-ən

1

: something (as a gun, knife, or club) used to injure, defeat, or destroy

2

: something with which one fights or struggles against another