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
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
Simon Head, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
After knocking out Charles Jourdain in late June, the 27-year-old moved up to lightweight to face hard-hitting Drew Dober on the main card of UFC Denver.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2025
Choose from 31 colors and patterns, and enjoy the flowy material that one shopper called lightweight, comfortable, and easy to pack.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
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Noun
The fight card will also see the return to the UFC of featherweight veteran Jeremy Stephens, who steps up to lightweight to take on another UFC returnee, former two-division Cage Warriors champion Mason Jones.
—Simon Head, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
After knocking out Charles Jourdain in late June, the 27-year-old moved up to lightweight to face hard-hitting Drew Dober on the main card of UFC Denver.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
The best dressed stars of the week were those who slipped into colorful and lightweight silhouettes that are stylishly ready for warmer weather.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2025
Choose from 31 colors and patterns, and enjoy the flowy material that one shopper called lightweight, comfortable, and easy to pack.
—Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
Cite this Entry
“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
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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