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

Designer, tattoo artist, and cyclist Dustin Klein developed this new lightweight and budget-friendly pack from Chrome. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Commuter Backpacks for the Daily Grind," 2 May 2019 Cheng recommends mixing your moisturizer with a lightweight foundation like Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint, $26, or Koh Gen Do's Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, $70. — Talia Abbas, SELF, "How to Apply Makeup When You Have Freckles, According to Makeup Artists," 3 Dec. 2018 Flower Beauty Light Illusion Liquid Foundation This lightweight foundation from Drew Barrymore's affordable beauty line offers buildable coverage with a luminous finish — what's not to love? — Allure, "The 17 Best Drugstore Foundations for All Your Coverage Needs," 6 Sep. 2018 But the lightweight, stretchy material was perfectly suited for moving around and getting a little sweaty. — Gray Chapman, SELF, "The Pants That Got Me Through 3 Days of an Active Vacation Without My Luggage," 26 Jan. 2019 First, a liberal spritz of UV-protectant spray before setting foot on the sand will shield and condition strands; Davines’s Su Hair Milk is a lightweight SPF cream that does the trick, even for curls doused in the sea. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "The Ultimate Guide to Summer Hair Rehab: Hydrating Masks, Detox Shampoos, and More," 11 Aug. 2018 The Miracle Styling Balm ($20.58; itsa10.com) The Miracle Styling Balm is a lightweight cream that gets worked into your hair for noticeably better volume, flexibility and movement. — Anna Hecht, CNN Underscored, "It's a 10 just launched its new Blow Dry Collection," 15 May 2018 Bio Oil, $15; target.com Lancer Moisturizer: $125 The lightweight cream comes packed with hyaluronic acid and peptides to plump the skin instantly. — Kaitlyn Frey, PEOPLE.com, "Kim Kardashian Spends Over $4,500 on Her Skincare Staples," 26 Apr. 2018 The Micellar Gentle Moisturizing Milk Conditioner is a lightweight milky cream that goes deep beneath the surface of hair to deliver moisture directly to strands instead of sitting on top of the hair and weighing it down. — Shannon Barbour, The Cut, "Pantene’s New Shampoo and Conditioner Use an Unexpected Skin-Care Product," 16 Mar. 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.