plural lightweights
1
: one of less than average weight
specifically
: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs compare featherweight, welterweight
2
: one of little consequence or ability
a political lightweight
3
: a person who becomes inebriated after consuming relatively small amounts of alcohol or drugs
Even at 6 foot 5 inches tall, Dean was a lightweight, and he sounded to be two drinks in, Johnson said.—
Kate Sosin
Kate Sosin1
: lacking in earnestness, ability, or profundity : inconsequential
a lightweight painter
a lightweight TV series
2
: having less than average weight
lightweight fabrics
3
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight
the lightweight championship
Examples of lightweight in a Sentence
Noun
The members of his staff were considered lightweights.
among astronomers she's considered a lightweight
Adjective
it's going to be hot, so wear mostly lightweight clothing
Recent Examples on the Web
Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
The Sony XM6s look a lot like the previous-gen XM5s, with matte plastic materials that keep the build lightweight and functional.
—Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2026
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
These containers ditch the plastic in favor of silicone while retaining the same look and benefits of classic deli containers—namely, their stackability, one-size-fits-all lid, and lightweight feel.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
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Noun
For example, my mom and aunt both adore the lightweight feel and matte finish of the Supergoop!
—Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
The Sony XM6s look a lot like the previous-gen XM5s, with matte plastic materials that keep the build lightweight and functional.
—Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2026
Adjective
To manage thermal loads and propulsion, the craft will employ lightweight composite-titanium radiators and an advanced 48-kW electric propulsion system, which also doubles as the primary spacecraft bus for communications and power distribution.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 23 Apr. 2026
These containers ditch the plastic in favor of silicone while retaining the same look and benefits of classic deli containers—namely, their stackability, one-size-fits-all lid, and lightweight feel.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
Cite this Entry
“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lightweight
1 of 2 noun
light·weight
ˈlīt-ˌwāt 
1
: one of less than average weight
especially
: a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 135 pounds
2
: a person of little importance
lightweight
2 of 2 adjective
: having less than the usual or expected weight
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