lightweight

noun light·weight \ ˈlīt-ˌwāt \

|Updated on: 7 Jun 2018

Examples: lightweight in a Sentence

Definition of lightweight

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

See lightweight defined for English-language learners

See lightweight defined for kids

Examples of lightweight in a Sentence

The members of his staff were considered lightweights.
among astronomers she's considered a lightweight

Recent Examples of lightweight from the Web

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
Alpacas are literally lightweights by comparison, maxing out at 200 pounds.

— marygrace taylor, Good Housekeeping, "6 Things You Need To Know Before Getting A Pet Llama Or Alpaca," 6 Apr. 2017
Shanahan has termed Staley, a relative lightweight at 295 pounds, a prototype tackle for his outside-zone running scheme that requires a front five with movement skills to excel.

— eric branch, San Francisco Chronicle, "49ers lay it on the line with tough tackles Joe Staley, Mike McClinchey," 5 May 2018
With 15 days left in its Kickstarter campaign, Somewear Labs has accrued nearly double its $50,000 funding goal—an indication, at the very least, that there is a market for this kind of lightweight, user-friendly satellite safety device.

— ariella gintzler, Outside Online, "Could Somewear Be Creating The Ultimate Sat-Comms Tool?," 19 Apr. 2018
But Americans are lightweights in any worldwide drinking game, based on numbers from the World Health Organization.

— sandee lamotte, CNN, "What too much alcohol can do to your health," 13 Apr. 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.

First Known Use of lightweight

1773

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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lightweight Synonyms

lightweight

adjective

Definition of lightweight

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

Examples of lightweight in a Sentence

it's going to be hot, so wear mostly lightweight clothing

Recent Examples of lightweight from the Web

The satellite's lightweight ion propulsion system will slowly but efficiently boost the relay station into a circular orbit 22,300 miles above the equator.

— william harwood, CBS News, "SpaceX rocket launches powerful communications satellite," 4 June 2018
Ted Swindley runs with the concept of jukebox musicals — much of the lightweight little show’s second act is simply a concert, as if one was listening to an actual jukebox, albeit one in a West Virginia roadhouse.

— matthew j. palm, OrlandoSentinel.com, "'Honky Tonk Angels' lets country music shine," 2 June 2018
The unattended soil must contain a perfect blend of acidity; the saturated colors of the voluptuous, pendulous flowers that cluster on the lightweight branches range from faint whitish-blue to deep pink and dusky purple.

— chicago tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Algren Award runner-up: "Here Is Where the Taxi Driver Set His Wife on Fire" by GKS Waller," 2 June 2018
The lightweight boot allows for increased top speed and the new stud configuration facilitates quick turns and bursts of pace.

— SI.com, "PHOTOS: Puma Launch 'Illuminate' Colour Update to be Worn by Griezmann, Aguero & More at World Cup," 1 June 2018
The cubes are made of lightweight nylon and boast durable, fully finished interior seams, along with YKK zippers that open and close easily.

— seamus bellamy/connor whooley, USA TODAY, "The best luggage of 2018," 1 June 2018
Then layer those blinds with lightweight translucent sheer fabric curtains or panels, which will also filter the light.

— jennifer adams, Philly.com, "Ask Jennifer Adams: How to balance outside views and privacy with window treatments," 1 June 2018
The debut collection features four types of super-soft washed cotton: a lightweight jersey, a mid-weight jersey, a ribbed cotton, and an interlock cotton.

— mekita rivas, Teen Vogue, "For Days Launches a No-Waste Sustainable T-Shirt Subscription," 30 May 2018
Newport Aquatic Center also has several lightweight (athletes weighing under 150 pounds) rowing commits.

— andrew turner, latimes.com, "Newport Aquatic Center dominates USRowing Southwest Youth Championship," 30 May 2018

First Known Use of lightweight

1809

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

lightweight Synonyms

Synonyms

featherlight, feathery, light, underweight, weightless;

Antonyms

heavy, hefty, leaden, overweight, ponderous, weighty;

Near Antonyms

big, considerable, extensive, goodly, great, handsome, huge, hulking, jumbo, king-size (or king-sized), large, largish, massive, overscale (or overscaled), oversize (or oversized), sizable (or sizeable), substantial, super, voluminous, whacking;

bulky, cumbersome, unwieldy;

flimsy, fragile, insubstantial;

petite, slender, slight, slim, thin;

LIGHTWEIGHT Defined for English Language Learners

lightweight

noun

Definition of lightweight for English Language Learners

: a fighter who is in a class of boxers weighing from 125 to 132 pounds (57 to 60 kilograms)
: someone or something that does not weigh as much as others
: someone or something that has little importance or power