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
Kate Sosin1
: 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
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
Clara McMahon, People.com, 8 July 2025
Lightweight Bedding Deals from Anthropologie Fresh, elevated, and lightweight are a few ways satisfied customers describe the Zina Cotton Embroidered Woven Quilt.
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2025
Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 9 July 2025
Between those two bouts, Taylor went 2-1 and became the undisputed super lightweight champion.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
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Noun
Shoppers can’t stop raving about this lightweight yet nourishing moisturizer.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 8 July 2025
Lightweight Bedding Deals from Anthropologie Fresh, elevated, and lightweight are a few ways satisfied customers describe the Zina Cotton Embroidered Woven Quilt.
—Isabella Milano, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2025
Adjective
For summertime, consider a lightweight duvet cover.
—Rachel Trujillo, People.com, 9 July 2025
Between those two bouts, Taylor went 2-1 and became the undisputed super lightweight champion.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
Cite this Entry
“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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