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
Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology (IISB) has developed a new lightweight, powerful, and efficient electric aircraft motor.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
As a form of lignocellulosic waste harvested from the tree’s exterior, DPSFs possess a lightweight, fibrous structure high in lignin and cellulose.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Apr. 2026
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Noun
While the Canadian brand produces specific models intended for everything from hiking to mountain climbing, among its more versatile pieces is the Ossa jacket, made from a lightweight, UPF 50+ nylon ripstop shell and designed with a zip-out hood.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 13 Apr. 2026
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Systems and Device Technology (IISB) has developed a new lightweight, powerful, and efficient electric aircraft motor.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
The deeper shade paired with a boxy, oversized fit will make this lightweight denim jacket a standout in your travel wardrobe that can be styled endlessly to instantly make even your simplest outfits look cooler.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2026
As a form of lignocellulosic waste harvested from the tree’s exterior, DPSFs possess a lightweight, fibrous structure high in lignin and cellulose.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
Cite this Entry
“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.
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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