heavyweight

noun, often attributive

heavy·weight | \ˈhe-vē-ˌwāt

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 refueling was meant to test the F-35's ability to take on fuel at a heavier weight and higher altitude while using afterburners. — Kyle Mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "New Footage Shows the Perils of F-35 Flight Testing," 12 July 2017 Start slowly, and gradually work your way up to longer sweat sessions and heavier weights. — Haley Shapley, SELF, "How to Hike a 14,000-Foot Mountain With No Prior Experience," 17 Nov. 2018 This is reaffirmed when his best source in the Uncle Murda inquiry is himself killed, an event for which Bosch feels his own heavy weight of guilt. — Tom Nolan, WSJ, "Mysteries: Blowing the Dust Off a Cold Case," 25 Oct. 2018 Recovery is just as important as actually lifting heavy weights. — Cassie Lynn Lambert, SELF, "4 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Lifting Weights," 16 Sep. 2018 With the midterms looming—and the news cycle showing us that now, more than ever, voting is both necessary and important—choosing a candidate comes with a heavier weight than ever before. — Amanda Mitchell, Marie Claire, "Who to Vote for in the 2018 Midterms: A Complete Guide to Figuring It Out," 13 Sep. 2018 Essentially, heavy weight on the Earth’s poles, such as from massive glaciers during the last ice age, can actually cause the ground underneath them to be compressed. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Humans Are Causing Earth to Wobble," 25 Sep. 2018 My workouts are all part dance cardio and part muscle work, from light 3-pound weights and barre work, all the way up to to taking my clients to the gym for heavy weight training. — Leah Prinzivalli, SELF, "5 Celebrity Trainers Explain How They Got Their First Famous Clients," 30 June 2018 Cespedes’s heavy weight lifting regimen and lack of run training, stretching and hydration were blamed for his past leg injuries. — James Wagner, New York Times, "The Mets Are Missing Two Big Things: Wins and Yoenis Cespedes," 7 July 2018

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.