featherweight

noun

feath·​er·​weight ˈfe-t͟hər-ˌwāt How to pronounce featherweight (audio)
Synonyms of featherweightnext
1
: one that is very light in weight
especially : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 126 pounds for professionals and 125 pounds for amateurs compare bantamweight, lightweight
2
featherweight adjective

Examples of featherweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion, is set to face ex-UFC featherweight titleholder Max Holloway in a rematch. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026 With a curb weight of 5,180 lbs (2,350 kg), this PHEV is no featherweight, but the twin-valve dampers do a good job of controlling the ride and hiding that mass. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026 The same reason why Mike Tyson was not allowed to fight against featherweights. Tony Jones, New York Times, 18 May 2026 His jaw-dropping victorious clash with Doo-Ho Choi was not only Fight of the Night at UFC 206, it was voted 2016’s Fight of the Year and propelled both featherweights into the UFC Hall of Fame. Brian Martin, Oc Register, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for featherweight

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of featherweight was in 1812

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Cite this Entry

“Featherweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/featherweight. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

featherweight

noun
feath·​er·​weight -ˌwāt How to pronounce featherweight (audio)
1
: a very light weight
2
: one that weighs little
especially : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 126 pounds

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