featherweight

noun feath·er·weight \ ˈfe-t͟hər-ˌwāt \

|Updated on: 23 Jul 2018

Definition of featherweight

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 : lightweight 2

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featherweight

adjective

See featherweight defined for English-language learners

See featherweight defined for kids

Recent Examples of featherweight from the Web

Fret not, for the ND MX-5 is still a mere featherweight at 2,332lbs (1,058kg).

— jonathan m. gitlin, Ars Technica, "All highs, no lows: The 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata," 7 July 2018
Ricardo Lamas has been a top featherweight contender for many years and is fighting in his hometown of Chicago.

— todd martin, latimes.com, "Ricardo Lamas vs. Mirsad Bektic live round-by-round coverage," 10 June 2018
The night also features lightweight Edner Cherry against Dennis Galarza in a 10-round bout and unbeaten super featherweights Austin Dulay and Chris Colbert meet in an eight-round match.

— branson wright, cleveland.com, "Premier Boxing Champions begins season on FS1 Friday night: Boxing Report 2018 (photos)," 11 Apr. 2018
Legendary featherweight Willie Pep fought 241 times in his career.

— john whisler, San Antonio Express-News, "Garcia hoping to add to SA’s boxing legacy," 9 Mar. 2018
Whether worn alone or layered with a full face of makeup, a featherweight and fast-absorbing formula that goes on smooth, free of a chalky residue, is vital.

— jenna rennert, Vogue, "10 New Sunscreens Worth Stocking Up On This Memorial Day Weekend," 22 May 2018
Velez, who fought to a draw in a 2014 featherweight title bout, has sought to bother Garcia by employing a rap friend to create a song about spoiling plans without De La Hoya being able to protect the handsome super featherweight.

— lance pugmire, latimes.com, "The Ryan Garcia attraction moves to StubHub Center's bigger stage," 3 May 2018
Junior featherweights: Magdaleno vs. Dogboe ESPN 8:30 p.m.

— BostonGlobe.com, "TV, radio schedule," 28 Apr. 2018
After the match, Lee's hands were featherweights as the crowd gave him a rousing ovation.

— rich torres, Indianapolis Star, "Brownburg's Brayton Lee ignites crowd with victory in Team Indiana vs. Team USA event," 14 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'featherweight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of featherweight

1812

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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FEATHERWEIGHT Defined for English Language Learners

featherweight

noun

Definition of featherweight for English Language Learners

: someone or something that weighs very little; especially : a boxer who weighs more than 118 pounds (53.5 kilograms) but less than 126 pounds (57 kilograms)