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
Synonyms
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 WebLauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
The green edition, with a lightweight, 39 mm titanium case, is limited to 25 pieces.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
From vain lightweight to ambitious woman = bad mom, these three have all the major stereotypes about women in the workplace covered.
—TIME, 14 Mar. 2024
There’s a lot of room to play with this trend by pairing the sheer pieces with mesh, crochet, and other lightweight (and very layerable) fabrics.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 2024
But Take Note The lightweight, nongreasy lotion has a slight hint of the 70-plus-year-old French brand's beloved, child-appropriate scent that will linger on the skin.
—Tanya Edwards, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024
Company Town Her father once dismissed her as a lightweight.
—Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
This lightweight puffer jacket is super smooth and soft to the touch and easy to put on.
—Casey Clark, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024
This lightweight set from Ringcal is plated with 14-karat gold that is hypoallergenic and free of lead and nickel.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024
Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Trekking Poles feature adjustable lengths and are lightweight (weighing in at just 9 ounces).
—Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2024
While many manufacturers seek to optimize efficiency through lightweight construction and slippery aerodynamics, the Hummer EV Pickup Truck tips the scales at over 9,000 pounds, a relatively astounding heft that is defied by a touted zero-to-60 mph time of around 3 seconds.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 12 Apr. 2024
These sheets are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for year-round comfort.
—Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2024
And it’s made from 100 percent rayon for a lightweight feel.
—Carly Totten, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2024
This topical contains a potent mix of tranexamic and salicylic acids to address current blemishes and post-acne dark spots with one lightweight treatment.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 10 Apr. 2024
The move underscores the growing trend of AI developers adding lightweight AI model options.
—Emilia David, The Verge, 9 Apr. 2024
These Reebok Lite 4 shoes are lightweight, have premium cushioning, and can be worn with either athleisure or a sundress.
—Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2024
Noun
This oil-free marvel strikes the perfect balance, providing a lightweight, moisturizing touch that combo skin craves.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
The green edition, with a lightweight, 39 mm titanium case, is limited to 25 pieces.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
From vain lightweight to ambitious woman = bad mom, these three have all the major stereotypes about women in the workplace covered.
—TIME, 14 Mar. 2024
There’s a lot of room to play with this trend by pairing the sheer pieces with mesh, crochet, and other lightweight (and very layerable) fabrics.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 2024
But Take Note The lightweight, nongreasy lotion has a slight hint of the 70-plus-year-old French brand's beloved, child-appropriate scent that will linger on the skin.
—Tanya Edwards, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024
Company Town Her father once dismissed her as a lightweight.
—Christi Carras, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024
This lightweight puffer jacket is super smooth and soft to the touch and easy to put on.
—Casey Clark, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024
This lightweight set from Ringcal is plated with 14-karat gold that is hypoallergenic and free of lead and nickel.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Some of our picks are more lightweight and are better for withstanding light rain rather than torrential downpours.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Trekking Poles feature adjustable lengths and are lightweight (weighing in at just 9 ounces).
—Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 14 Apr. 2024
While many manufacturers seek to optimize efficiency through lightweight construction and slippery aerodynamics, the Hummer EV Pickup Truck tips the scales at over 9,000 pounds, a relatively astounding heft that is defied by a touted zero-to-60 mph time of around 3 seconds.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 12 Apr. 2024
These sheets are lightweight, breathable, and perfect for year-round comfort.
—Bethany Braun-Silva, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2024
And it’s made from 100 percent rayon for a lightweight feel.
—Carly Totten, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2024
This topical contains a potent mix of tranexamic and salicylic acids to address current blemishes and post-acne dark spots with one lightweight treatment.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 10 Apr. 2024
The move underscores the growing trend of AI developers adding lightweight AI model options.
—Emilia David, The Verge, 9 Apr. 2024
These Reebok Lite 4 shoes are lightweight, have premium cushioning, and can be worn with either athleisure or a sundress.
—Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lightweight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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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