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
Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In addition to its stylish design, the lightweight, wrinkle-resistant bottoms offer UPF 50+ sun protection and are water-resistant.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2025
Target’s athleisure brand, JoyLab, is stocked with breathable, lightweight pieces that are great for travel, and our eyes are currently on these wide-leg pants and matching sweatshirt.
—Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
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Noun
Hughes is one of the world's top lightweights in MMA, the sport where McGregor built his following and name.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
In addition to its stylish design, the lightweight, wrinkle-resistant bottoms offer UPF 50+ sun protection and are water-resistant.
—Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
The bracelet combines the lightweight metal with high-tech bulk metallic glass, an alloy of 50 percent palladium and other metals that’s highly resistant to corrosion and wear.
—Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2025
Target’s athleisure brand, JoyLab, is stocked with breathable, lightweight pieces that are great for travel, and our eyes are currently on these wide-leg pants and matching sweatshirt.
—Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 20 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 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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