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
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2026
Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Concealer The lightweight, serum-like formula features a multitude of skin care ingredients, including hyaluronic acid—the gold standard for an ultra-hydrated, skin-plumping finish.
—Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Jan. 2026
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026
This Hold Tight Long-sleeve Shirt is a wardrobe staple that is the perfect base for layering multiple pieces while in chilly temps, and it can just as easily be worn on its own for a lightweight, breathable top with a flattering contoured hemline.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Designed with travel in mind, this lightweight yet shockingly spacious pack provides ample space for all of your necessities, including features like a padded laptop compartment, a scratch-resistant glasses compartment, and easy-carry top handles.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Jan. 2026
Cosmetics Soft Glam Satin Concealer The lightweight, serum-like formula features a multitude of skin care ingredients, including hyaluronic acid—the gold standard for an ultra-hydrated, skin-plumping finish.
—Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Jan. 2026
Adjective
Smart glasses are expected to be prominent again, ranging from lightweight AI assistants to models with integrated displays approaching headset-level functionality.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 5 Jan. 2026
This Hold Tight Long-sleeve Shirt is a wardrobe staple that is the perfect base for layering multiple pieces while in chilly temps, and it can just as easily be worn on its own for a lightweight, breathable top with a flattering contoured hemline.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 4 Jan. 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 7 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share