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

McGregor, who was not on the UFC 223 card, was stripped of the lightweight title because of his long absence from UFC fights. — Jason Hanna, CNN, "Conor McGregor expresses regret over bus brawl after brief court appearance," 14 June 2018 In the co-main event, Jose Pedraza defeated Antonio Moran by unanimous decision for a regional lightweight title. — W.g. Ramirez, Houston Chronicle, "Terence Crawford scores TKO over Jeff Horn, wins WBO welterweight title," 10 June 2018 The victory earned Lomachenko the World Boxing Association lightweight title. — Santos A. Perez, miamiherald, "Why two of the top light-heavyweights of the decade may never face each other in the ring | Miami Herald," 13 May 2018 Another fighter, Kenichi Ogawa, who won a vacant junior-lightweight title in a controversial Dec. 9 decision over Tevin Farmer, is expected to be punishedWednesday after testing positive for two testosterone metabolites. — Lance Pugmire, latimes.com, "Canelo Alvarez bound for reckoning before Nevada commission," 18 Apr. 2018 Bamboo straws Straws made out of all-natural bamboo sourced from sustainable forests are a lightweight and reusable alternative to plastic straws. — David Carrig, USA TODAY, "Plastic straws are polluting our oceans. Here are some alternatives," 23 May 2018 This super-hydrating pick is lightweight and effortlessly blendable, with a nongreasy texture that provides ample coverage and an appearance that’s refreshed, revived and circle-free. — Erin Jahns, The Seattle Times, "Best under-eye concealers for less than $15," 20 Apr. 2018 Fiberglass pots are lightweight and easy to move around, but tall plants in these light containers are more likely to blow over. — Tim Johnson, chicagotribune.com, "Pick garden containers that fit your taste and space — but ensure they drain properly," 10 Apr. 2018 Chasing Monkey makes dog crates that are lightweight, fully collapsible, and portable without sacrificing style. — Stephanie Granada, Sunset, "10 Stylish Pet Furniture Picks," 22 Jan. 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.