lightweight

noun

light·weight | \ ˈlīt-ˌwāt

Definition of lightweight

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

lightweight

adjective

Definition of lightweight (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : 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

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about lightweight

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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: Noun

By the end of Ronald Reagan’s presidency, Democrats viewed the Gipper as a celebrity lightweight who had hypnotised the rubes. — The Economist, "Fork in the roadShould the party move to the left or to the centre?," 12 July 2018 The FireDog Pizza – including a thin-crust version for lightweights and people who aren’t from around here – will be sold at all Giordano’s locations starting Monday. — Joe Knowles, chicagotribune.com, "Are you fan enough for the Hot Doug's FireDog Pizza at Wrigley Field?," 2 July 2018 Amanda, like me, is a weed lightweight, but unlike me, has made cacio e pepe before. — Madeleine Aggeler, The Cut, "I Made Weed-Infused Cacio e Pepe and Lost an Entire Weekend," 20 Apr. 2018 Winston Churchill had written great works of history before becoming prime minister; both Harry Truman and Ronald Reagan, though derided as lightweights in their time, filled their journals with carefully considered reflections about big ideas. — Walter Russell Mead, WSJ, "Why Trump Clashes With Europe," 11 June 2018 The stakes don’t feel high enough, partly because the strong element of satire leaves us with the nagging feeling that everyone involved (except Logan) is a lightweight or an idiot. — Mike Hale, New York Times, "Review: In HBO’s ‘Succession,’ the Family That Preys Together," 1 June 2018 The first is to buy a new Mountainsmith Scream 55, a lightweight, no-nonsense bag at an excellent price point with front storage pockets, EVA back panel, and a just-right packing size at 55 liters. — Joe Jackson, Outside Online, "Put Together Your Next Backpacking Setup for $300," 1 June 2018 Kenny, unlike either of us, is not a weed lightweight. — Madeleine Aggeler, The Cut, "I Made Weed-Infused Cacio e Pepe and Lost an Entire Weekend," 20 Apr. 2018 Pizarro has rung up a 9-1 record as a lightweight since his professional debut on Oct. 26, 2016. — John Smallwood, Philly.com, "Unbeaten Devin Haney headlines card at Philly's 2300 Arena," 10 May 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

That’d perhaps allow for a PC experience sans-wires as well as a lightweight mobile experience. — Hayden Dingman, PCWorld, "HTC reveals two new VR headsets, the untethered Vive Cosmos and gaze-tracking Vive Pro Eye," 7 Jan. 2019 The sailplanes are all identical, made lightweight from foam, with radio controls and 6½-foot wing spans. — Alan Berner, The Seattle Times, "Go, hawks: Sailplane pilots look to birds for flying tips," 23 Nov. 2018 Serums are lightweight, super-hydrating and typically won't clog pores. Pump a pea-size amount onto the back of your hand and use your ring finger to gently massage it into trouble spots. — Melissa Matthews, Woman's Day, "The Foolproof Anti-Aging Skin Routine," 24 Aug. 2015 Instead, try this ultra-lightweight moisturizer from Belif, $38, that seriously packs a punch. — Katheryn Erickson, Glamour, "Adult Acne: The Unfair Reason You're Still Breaking Out in Your 20s and 30s," 19 Jan. 2019 Apple hasn’t functionally updated the MacBook Air since 2015, leaving fans of the ultra-lightweight laptop to linger in outdated agony as Apple has lavished its attention on the newer 12-inch MacBook and updated MacBook Pro laptops. — Chaim Gartenberg, The Verge, "What to expect at Apple’s October hardware event," 28 Oct. 2018 But this lightweight formula contains something called ethyl lactyl retinoate, a proprietary blend of lactic acid and retinoids, that works to slowly, gently, and effectively smooth skin and fade discoloration with continued use. — Chloe Metzger, Marie Claire, "The 5 Truly Excellent Beauty Products I'm Loving This Week," 10 Oct. 2018 For coverage that won’t turn cakey, Raouf reaches for airy, tinted moisturizers or fluid hydrating foundations, all of which keep skin supple and bouncy with super-lightweight textures. — Vogue, "How to Get Next-Level Glowing Skin, According to a Top Makeup Artist," 21 Sep. 2018 The lightweight, buildable formula has micro-fine pearl pigments that create a luminous effect at the intensity of your choice, moisturizing skin with argan, macadamia, passionfruit seed, grapefruit seed, and sunflower seed oils. — Marci Robin, Allure, "Wet n Wild's New MegaGlo Body Luminizer Is the Body Lava Drugstore Dupe We've Been Waiting For," 22 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lightweight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.