heavyweight
noun
heavy·weight
ˈhe-vē-ˌwāt 
often attributive
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
industry heavyweights
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
Bursting onto the New York scene in the late 1990s with standout mixtape performances and early appearances alongside heavyweights like Ma$e and The LOX, his talent drew cosigns and a recording contract with Violator, positioning him as a rising star.
—
Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Why did other middle- and lower-ranked clubs side with the heavyweights?
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
His second look showcases the ’90s loose cargo jean in brown, layered with a heavyweight zip hoodie and a corduroy jacket (an elevated nod to off-duty, dance-ready dressing).
—Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 11 Dec. 2025
Other tech heavyweights such as Nvidia and Micron Technology shed about 2%.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
While many acknowledged some pockets of froth in unprofitable tech names, 85% of managers said valuations among the Magnificent Seven and other AI heavyweights are not overly inflated.
—Lauren Chomiuk, Fortune, 7 Dec. 2025
The Ducks went toe-to-toe with a bona fide heavyweight, sending the Washington Capitals to the canvas, 4-3, in a shootout on Friday night at Honda Center.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 6 Dec. 2025
But many entertainment industry heavyweights have already heaped doubt on it.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
On Wednesday afternoon, the two heavyweights shared the pitch for the 2025-2026 season opener.
—Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 Dec. 2025
Why did other middle- and lower-ranked clubs side with the heavyweights?
—Andy Naylor, New York Times, 12 Dec. 2025
His second look showcases the ’90s loose cargo jean in brown, layered with a heavyweight zip hoodie and a corduroy jacket (an elevated nod to off-duty, dance-ready dressing).
—Andre Claudio, Sourcing Journal, 11 Dec. 2025
Other tech heavyweights such as Nvidia and Micron Technology shed about 2%.
—Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
While many acknowledged some pockets of froth in unprofitable tech names, 85% of managers said valuations among the Magnificent Seven and other AI heavyweights are not overly inflated.
—Lauren Chomiuk, Fortune, 7 Dec. 2025
The Ducks went toe-to-toe with a bona fide heavyweight, sending the Washington Capitals to the canvas, 4-3, in a shootout on Friday night at Honda Center.
—Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 6 Dec. 2025
But many entertainment industry heavyweights have already heaped doubt on it.
—Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025
On Wednesday afternoon, the two heavyweights shared the pitch for the 2025-2026 season opener.
—Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Heavyweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavyweight. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
heavyweight
noun
heavy·weight
ˈhev-ē-ˌwāt
1
: one above average in weight
2
: one in the heaviest class of contestants
especially
: a boxer in an unlimited weight division
3
: someone or something that is very important or powerful
a company that is an industry heavyweight
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