weigh

1 of 2

verb

weighed; weighing; weighs

transitive verb

1
: to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance
2
a
c
: to make heavy : weight
often used with down
3
: to consider carefully especially by balancing opposing factors or aspects in order to reach a choice or conclusion : evaluate
weighing her options
4
: to heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing
5
: to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scales

intransitive verb

1
a
: to have a certain heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity
b
: to register a weight (as on a scales)
used with in or out
compare weigh in
2
: to merit consideration as important : count
evidence will weigh heavily against him
3
a
: to press down with or as if with a heavy weight
b
: to have a saddening or disheartening effect
guilt weighed on my mind
4
: to weigh anchor
weighable adjective
weigher noun

weigh

2 of 2

noun

: way
used in the phrase under weigh
Choose the Right Synonym for weigh

consider, study, contemplate, weigh mean to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision.

consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence.

weigh the pros and cons of the case

Examples of weigh in a Sentence

Verb She weighs herself every morning. He used a scale to weigh the bananas. The bananas weigh more than the apples. How much do you weigh? You will need to weigh the pros and cons. He took time to weigh his options. Her previous experience weighs in her favor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
That history weighs heavily on the Biden administration. John Hudson, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2024 Crafted from 14-karat gold, the size 11 ½ ring weighs a substantial 59.6 grams and is set with an impressive 40 diamonds. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 15 Mar. 2024 Attention was paid as well to making sure each style was lightweight, with no design weighing more than 35 grams. Degen Pener, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Mar. 2024 The group caught 11 pythons weighing a total of 500 pounds, according to its Facebook page. USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2024 Michael was born five minutes after Ashton Though the two brothers arrived several minutes apart, Ashton was bigger, weighing 10.5 lbs. Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2024 Providers have to weigh the benefits against the possible harms in each case. Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 12 Mar. 2024 Now, that court is set to weigh Piagentini's removal from office. Eleanor McCrary, The Courier-Journal, 11 Mar. 2024 Martinez was arrested earlier this month but has since bailed out of jail, and Contra Costa prosecutors are weighing felony charges against him. Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'weigh.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English weyen, from Old English wegan to move, carry, weigh — more at way

Noun

alteration of way

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1777, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of weigh was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near weigh

Cite this Entry

“Weigh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/weigh. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

weigh

verb
ˈwā
1
a
: to find the heaviness of
weighed the bag of onions on a scale
b
: to have weight or a certain weight
he weighs 200 pounds
2
a
: to consider carefully : ponder
weigh your chances of winning
b
: to be important : count
the evidence will weigh heavily against him
3
: to raise before sailing
weigh anchor
4
: to measure on or as if on a scale
weigh out several pounds of rice
5
: to press down with or as if with a weight
her worries weigh heavily on her
weigher noun

Medical Definition

weigh

transitive verb
1
: to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance
2
: to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scale

intransitive verb

: to have a certain amount of heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity

More from Merriam-Webster on weigh

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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