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
Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Ilia Topuria, a Georgian-Spanish lightweight who’s ranked the second-best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, is scheduled to face American Justin Gaethje in the main event.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026
Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
Available in various nude shades ranging from dark to light, these lightweight and breathable shorts prevent chafing while smoothing your midsection.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
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Noun
Yoon’s a lightweight, but his wife drinks like a pro.
—Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
Ilia Topuria, a Georgian-Spanish lightweight who’s ranked the second-best pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC, is scheduled to face American Justin Gaethje in the main event.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 9 June 2026
Adjective
More recently, footage released Wednesday showed Gaethje using the FBI Headquarters as part of his preparation for his lightweight title fight against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2026
Available in various nude shades ranging from dark to light, these lightweight and breathable shorts prevent chafing while smoothing your midsection.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 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 15 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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