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

Synonyms of heavyweight

• heavy
• big

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

But overall, the turnout has been strong, with heavyweights such as BP’s CEO Meg O’Neill, Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli, and Halliburton’s chairman and CEO Jeff Miller, all flying in to speak at the event. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

In addition to the power boost, ABT has outfitted the RS5 with more carbon-fiber parts than before to keep weight down (thanks to its hybrid tech, the standard version is a bit of a heavyweight). — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2026

While heavyweights such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta have struggled to sustain rallies in recent weeks, other companies are showing signs of strength. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

Florida’s defense went toe-to-toe with the SEC heavyweight Bulldogs, but received no help from the other side of the ball. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 31 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing heavyweight

• light heavyweight

Rhymes for heavyweight

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

Kids 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