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
Beckham responded with dignified simplicity placing herself in the public lens alongside industry heavyweights like Anna Wintour.
—
Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Sophomores Hunter Jessee, Chase Wagamugh and Thomas Thorne are also highly-ranked, as is junior heavyweight Renzo Cooligan.
—Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
Two artificial intelligence heavyweights will face off in court this spring, in a case that could have far-reaching outcomes for the future of AI.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
Before Ben Affleck became a two-time Oscar-winning industry heavyweight, an early career role taught him the importance of the worker’s inalienable right to call off sick from work.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2026
His words still ring true, as industry heavyweights continue fighting for king of the mountain.
—Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026
During a panel hosted by sustainability moderator Merle Becker, industry heavyweights explored how the sector’s transformation—from artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to sustainable materials and digital development processes—is becoming a strategic resource.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2026
This is where a famous heavyweight boxer comes in.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
Armed with this solution, industry heavyweights are advocating for a new approach based on vaccination coupled with effective surveillance.
—Ellen P. Carlin, STAT, 14 Jan. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Gemma Allen, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Sophomores Hunter Jessee, Chase Wagamugh and Thomas Thorne are also highly-ranked, as is junior heavyweight Renzo Cooligan.
—Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 Jan. 2026
Two artificial intelligence heavyweights will face off in court this spring, in a case that could have far-reaching outcomes for the future of AI.
—Billy Perrigo, Time, 20 Jan. 2026
Before Ben Affleck became a two-time Oscar-winning industry heavyweight, an early career role taught him the importance of the worker’s inalienable right to call off sick from work.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 17 Jan. 2026
His words still ring true, as industry heavyweights continue fighting for king of the mountain.
—Chris Yogerst, HollywoodReporter, 16 Jan. 2026
During a panel hosted by sustainability moderator Merle Becker, industry heavyweights explored how the sector’s transformation—from artificial intelligence (AI) and automation to sustainable materials and digital development processes—is becoming a strategic resource.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 15 Jan. 2026
This is where a famous heavyweight boxer comes in.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026
Armed with this solution, industry heavyweights are advocating for a new approach based on vaccination coupled with effective surveillance.
—Ellen P. Carlin, STAT, 14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Heavyweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavyweight. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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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