heavyweight

noun, often attributive

heavy·weight | \ ˈhe-vē-ˌwāt

How to pronounce heavyweight (audio)

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Definition of heavyweight

1 : one that is above average in weight

2 : one in the usually heaviest class of contestants: such as

a : a boxer in an unlimited weight division — compare light heavyweight

b : a weight lifter weighing more than 198 pounds

3 : one that possesses great power, prominence, or stature

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about heavyweight

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Examples of heavyweight in a Sentence

Their company is one of the industry's heavyweights. a heavyweight in the U.S. Senate, he has a lot of clout in judicial confirmations

Recent Examples on the Web The archbishop’s endorsement could carry heavy weight at a time when conspiracy theories about the coronavirus pandemic and the vaccines that could stop it have run rampant. — Marina Starleaf Riker, ExpressNews.com, "Archbishop of San Antonio to parishioners: ‘We need to be vaccinated.’," 16 Dec. 2020 Ending the Seminoles’ stranglehold on the series would lift a heavy weight off of White. — Edgar Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, "Gators look to end six-game skid to rival Florida State in men’s hoops," 10 Dec. 2020 Michelin is also developing tires specifically for electric vehicles, which will have to combine low rolling resistance with extra durability to handle EVs’ high torque output and heavy weight, both of which put extra strain on tires. — Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, "Michelin boss says first half of 2021 could be rough for automakers," 9 Dec. 2020 Boeing, which brings a heavy weight to the Dow, rose 3.8%. — Alex Veiga, Anchorage Daily News, "Dow tops record 30,000 points on vaccine hopes and Biden transition advances," 24 Nov. 2020 Boeing, which brings a heavy weight to the Dow, rose 4.4%. — Alex Veiga, USA TODAY, "Dow trades above 30,000 for first time on news that Biden transition will begin and signs of progress for COVID vaccines," 24 Nov. 2020 Boeing, which brings a heavy weight to the Dow, rose 3.8%. — Alex Veiga, chicagotribune.com, "Dow tops 30,000 points on vaccine hopes, Biden transition," 24 Nov. 2020 Almost immediately, Diana is confronted with the somewhat less glamorous reality of her position, and the heavy weight of expectations placed on the Princess of Wales. — Anne Cohen, refinery29.com, "How Accurate Is The Crown’s Portrayal Of Prince Charles & Princess Diana’s First Meeting?," 15 Nov. 2020 Sarah, however, is made to feel the particularly heavy weight of her decision. — Justin Chang Film Critic, Los Angeles Times, "Review: Eva Green is at her best in the deeply stirring astronaut drama ‘Proxima’," 5 Nov. 2020

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

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Dictionary Entries near heavyweight

heavy weapons company

Statistics for heavyweight

Last Updated

26 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Heavyweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavyweight. Accessed 22 Jan. 2021.

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