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

Trump’s buddy Putin is now helping both countries develop their weapons systems further. —Trudy Rubin, Twin Cities, 13 Nov. 2024

There is also the need to upgrade the complex U.S. missile and nuclear defense apparatus and ensure the defense industry can keep up with America’s need for weapons systems. —Tara Copp, The Denver Post, 13 Nov. 2024

Verb

The ghost can't speak, and can only confirm whether a player has guessed the right person, place, or weapon with a knock. —WIRED, 9 Oct. 2024

The products therefore become a good talking point for the sales associates and weapon to help fight the conversion challenge, according to Vuchot. —Jennifer Weil, WWD, 15 Oct. 2024

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