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
Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026
This lightweight yet roomy bag completely flips the script on traditional carry-ons, coming in at just $128 and packing useful features into a minimal footprint.
—Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
Seapuri's Scalpy Bubble Tonic is a lightweight foam that delivers a cooling burst of relief thanks to a soothing blend of cica, panthenol, and menthol, while salicylic acid helps dissolve excess oil, flakes, and residue that can leave the scalp feeling congested.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
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Noun
The technique, demonstrated at the Department of Energy’s Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, eliminates the need for costly molds while enabling lightweight, foldable structures.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 16 June 2026
This lightweight yet roomy bag completely flips the script on traditional carry-ons, coming in at just $128 and packing useful features into a minimal footprint.
—Tanya Sharma, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026
Adjective
Insects, usually bees, or a strong breeze will transfer the lightweight pollen grains from anther to stigma.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 June 2026
Seapuri's Scalpy Bubble Tonic is a lightweight foam that delivers a cooling burst of relief thanks to a soothing blend of cica, panthenol, and menthol, while salicylic acid helps dissolve excess oil, flakes, and residue that can leave the scalp feeling congested.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
Cite this Entry
“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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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