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 of these weapons are reportedly stuck at logistical hubs in Europe, including Patriot missiles stranded in Poland. —Katya Soldak, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025

North Korea is now working to expand relations with Russia, supplying troops and weapons to support its war against Ukraine in return for economic and military assistance. —arkansasonline.com, 4 July 2025

Verb

Saleh said the organization refuses to stand by as Israel ships weapon components to the U.S. to be developed and then used on the people of Gaza. —Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 June 2025

With his speed and pass-catching skills, Loveland should quickly become a go-to weapon for Caleb Williams. Day 3 pick who could surprise: Luke Newman, G, Michigan State Jonah Jackson played in only four games last season, because of injuries. —Dane Brugler, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025

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