plural lightweights
1
: one of less than average weight
specifically
: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs compare featherweight, welterweight
2
: one of little consequence or ability
a political lightweight
3
: a person who becomes inebriated after consuming relatively small amounts of alcohol or drugs
Even at 6 foot 5 inches tall, Dean was a lightweight, and he sounded to be two drinks in, Johnson said.—
Kate Sosin
Kate Sosin1
: lacking in earnestness, ability, or profundity : inconsequential
a lightweight painter
a lightweight TV series
2
: having less than average weight
lightweight fabrics
3
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight
the lightweight championship
Synonyms
Examples of lightweight in a Sentence
Noun
The members of his staff were considered lightweights.
among astronomers she's considered a lightweight
Adjective
it's going to be hot, so wear mostly lightweight clothing
Recent Examples on the Web
David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
Max Holloway’s Plans Holloway said his plan is to compete as a lightweight in the summer of 2025.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Reuters, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
The evening’s co-main event is a rematch between former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and three-time Bellator titleholder Michael Chandler.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightweight 
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Noun
Even more so than his loss was his ability to hang with one of the best lightweights in the game.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
Max Holloway’s Plans Holloway said his plan is to compete as a lightweight in the summer of 2025.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
Adjective
Most also carry lightweight weapons, such as depth charges and torpedoes, but generally other platforms are used to attack submarines.
—Reuters, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
The evening’s co-main event is a rematch between former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and three-time Bellator titleholder Michael Chandler.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lightweight
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Dictionary Entries Near lightweight
Cite this Entry
“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lightweight
1 of 2 noun
light·weight
ˈlīt-ˌwāt 
1
: one of less than average weight
especially
: a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 135 pounds
2
: a person of little importance
lightweight
2 of 2 adjective
: having less than the usual or expected weight
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