weapon

weap·on | \ ˈwe-pən

How to pronounce weapon (audio)

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Definition of weapon

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

2 : a means of contending against another

weapon

weaponed; weaponing; weapons

Definition of weapon (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

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 The other major weapon is hand-washing with soap and warm water before and after eating or using the restroom. — Anne Saker, Cincinnati.com, "Valentine’s Day brings hearts, flowers and a fresh weekly flu report for Ohio," 14 Feb. 2020 In rebuttal comments, Assistant District Attorney Randy P. Sitzberger took exception to McMahon's description of the facsimile weapon as a toy. — Jim Riccioli, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Student charged in the officer-involved shooting at Waukesha South shouldn't face a felony charge, attorney says," 14 Feb. 2020 But a new ruling by the Trump administration suggests that the weapons could make a comeback. — The Economist, "Donald Trump loosens America’s restrictions on landmines," 13 Feb. 2020 Officers swarmed the scene and convinced Craft to drop the weapon. — Holly V. Hays, Indianapolis Star, "Indianapolis crime: Man charged after firing shot during welfare check," 11 Feb. 2020 The weapon slides away, and at least a dozen officers rush in to take him down. — CBS News, "Videos show man ambushing NYPD officers in separate incidents," 10 Feb. 2020 During the confrontation, the security guard then fired the weapon multiple times into the group of people. — Alison Medley, Houston Chronicle, "HCSO: Security guard shoots and kills customer at sports bar in North Harris County," 9 Feb. 2020 The robber got out of a black Dodge Durango and attempted to rob DJ Slick at gunpoint, firing the weapon, according to news reports. — Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, "DJ Slick B is fatally shot in Detroit. Council president begs: 'stop the violence'," 9 Feb. 2020 Prosecutors alleged that Joseph Roh was illegally manufacturing the weapons for $1,000 a piece and had at least 19 convicted felons among his clients. — Scott Glover, CNN, "Former ATF agent at center of legal dispute over AR-15," 7 Feb. 2020 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb Each crime fit the same modus operandi including the suspect’s build and weapon description, the report said. — John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, "Boston police arrest suspect in 24 armed robberies," 6 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'weapon.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

18 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Weapon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weapon. Accessed 28 Feb. 2020.

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More Definitions for weapon

weapon

noun

English Language Learners Definition of weapon

: something (such as a gun, knife, club, or bomb) that is used for fighting or attacking someone or for defending yourself when someone is attacking you

: something (such as a skill, idea, or tool) that is used to win a contest or achieve something

See the full definition for weapon in the English Language Learners Dictionary

weapon

weap·on | \ ˈwe-pən

\

Kids Definition of weapon

: something (as a gun, knife, or club) to fight with

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