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

Even though Fields inadvertently fostered the impression that O’Rourke is a lightweight, some of his answers at that same town meeting displayed far more substance than his toothy image might suggest. — Walter Shapiro, The New Republic, "Beto’s Bet on Iowa," 9 June 2019 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

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

For one thing, medical parcels are lightweight but valuable, so drone costs would make up a relatively small portion of the final bill. — The Economist, "Drone deliveries are advancing in health care," 14 June 2019 Worx also offers a portable tabletop saw that’s lightweight enough to carry around your shop, garage, or house at under 15 pounds. — Paige Szmodis, Popular Mechanics, "Save Big on Saw and Drill Kits With This Amazon Daily Deal," 11 June 2019 Built largely from super-rigid carbon fiber, the cars are extremely lightweight at 1565 pounds and roll on fat racing tires. — Rich Ceppos, Car and Driver, "Everything You Need to Know about the Indianapolis 500," 25 May 2019 And the hoop is very lightweight so the dress seems to float around you. — Danielle Steel, Harper's BAZAAR, "Danielle Steele: A Fashion Love Story," 2 May 2019 The trailer is fairly lightweight, clocking in at 2,200 pounds. — Megan Barber, Curbed, "Aluminum camper trailer features a convertible roof for star gazing," 13 Aug. 2018 They’re made with a fancy fabric called Nulux, which is quick-drying, sweat-wicking, and lightweight. — Molly Longman, refinery29.com, "These Are The Best Lululemon Leggings For Your Fitness Goals," 6 June 2019 What's more interesting is that, as company founder Sir James Dyson told Autocar, lightweight, energy-dense solid-state battery technology is being considered and could replace the lithium-ion type currently used in most electric vehicles. — Drew Dorian, Car and Driver, "Dyson's Long-Awaited Electric Vehicle Revealed in Design Patent Filing," 9 May 2019 According to the Kickstarter page, their smart towels are fast-drying, highly absorbent, naturally antibacterial (preventing mildew, which could cause odor), soft, lightweight, eco-friendly, and extra large. — Taylor Mead, House Beautiful, "These Smart Towels Are Naturally Antibacterial, so They’ll Never Smell," 8 May 2019

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.