lightweight

1 of 2

noun

light·​weight ˈlīt-ˌwāt 

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

lightweight

2 of 2

adjective

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 of lightweight

Noun

• cipher
• dwarf
• nobody
• insect

Adjective

• light
• small
• weightless
• fragile
• tiny
• thin
• feathery
• featherlight

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

The Gforce Jersey Travel Blanket provides a comfortable layer between me and aggressive air while remaining lightweight enough for year-round use. — Brandon Schultz, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2026

In June 2024, the UFC matched Makhachev against former interim UFC lightweight titleholder Dustin Poirier. — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026

Adjective

The lightweight rooftop tent packs into a compact, readily removable package on the rear of the roof rack, expanding forward over the access hatch to create a different style of sleeper roof. — New Atlas, 9 July 2026

The World Traveler has always been one of Airstream’s lighter travel trailers, but the company says the 17RB can be towed by an even wider range of vehicles, including crossovers, SUVs, and lightweight pickups. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lightweight

• abate
• airfreight
• await
• baseplate
• berate
• birthdate
• birthrate
• bookplate
• borate
• breastplate
• bromate
• casemate

Kids 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