featherweight

noun

feath·​er·​weight ˈfe-t͟hər-ˌwāt 

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 sense 2

featherweight adjective

Examples of featherweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

New foams have enabled the creation of shoes that are simultaneously soft, fast, tall, and featherweight, bridging previous shoe categories—maximalist not only in form, but also function. —Dean Stattmann, Outside, 11 Nov. 2025

All this is mixed into a featherweight, watery serum that offers a refreshingly cool sensation when applied, instantly soothing where it’s placed. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025

In July 2023, Inoue moved up to junior featherweight, claiming the WBC and WBO belts in his first fight in his new weight division. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Ortega was scheduled to face Aljamain Sterling in a 145-pound featherweight bout at UFC Shanghai, but it was moved to a catchweight of 153 pounds after both fighters missed weight. —George Ramsay, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for featherweight

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

featherweight

noun

feath·​er·​weight -ˌwāt 

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