conventional weapon

American  

noun

1. a nonnuclear weapon.

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Etymology

Origin of conventional weapon

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The reality, though, was that while the blast might be smaller than a conventional weapon would produce, the radioactivity would be long-lasting.

From New York Times • Oct. 3, 2022

“They have no plan to replace it with either a nuclear or conventional weapon and readily admit that they are assuming risk in this space,” the aide said.

From Washington Times • Apr. 4, 2022

In April, North Korea tested a new weapon, which it called a “tactical guided weapon,” and which is thought to have been a more conventional weapon.

From Slate • May 4, 2019

When the so-called Mother of All Bombs was first tested, in 2003, the largest conventional weapon in the United States arsenal set off a mushroom cloud visible for twenty miles.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 14, 2017

He was a high school graduate and a felon — which prevented his buying a conventional weapon — but could be charming and seemed devoted to her.

From Washington Post • Oct. 20, 2016