bantamweight

noun

ban·​tam·​weight ˈban-təm-ˌwāt How to pronounce bantamweight (audio)
Synonyms of bantamweightnext
: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 118 pounds for professionals and 119 pounds for amateurs compare featherweight, flyweight

Examples of bantamweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dvalishvili vs Yan 2 This weekend’s UFC 323 in Las Vegas is headlined by a blockbuster rematch between Merab Dvalishvili and Petr Yan for the bantamweight title. Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025 In the co-main event, UFC women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison (19-1-0) puts her title on the line against UFC Hall of Famer and former two-division champion Amanda Nunes (23-5-0). Joe Otterson, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025 All of this happened after Ewing won the A1 Combat interim bantamweight title via first-round knockout just days earlier, on Nov. 7, in Wheatland, California. Brian Martin, Oc Register, 20 Nov. 2025 Roufus coached several champion fighters, including former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis, his brother and former Bellator bantamweight champion Sergio Pettis, and former UFC welterweight world champion Tyron Woodley. Cleo Krejci, jsonline.com, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bantamweight

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bantamweight was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Bantamweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bantamweight. Accessed 20 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

bantamweight

noun
ban·​tam·​weight -ˌwāt How to pronounce bantamweight (audio)
: a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 118 pounds

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