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
Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025
The bout will determine who will face current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria later in 2026.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025
Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025
Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight and warm clothing.
—Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 29 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
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Noun
This lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer is packed with vitamin E, squalane, shea butter, sea fennel, and aloe vera, leaving skin soft, supple, and hydrated from morning to night.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 28 Nov. 2025
The bout will determine who will face current UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria later in 2026.
—Joe Otterson, Variety, 27 Nov. 2025
Adjective
Hoka Men’s Mafate Speed 4 Trail Running Shoe Travelers who prefer a little less cushioning than standard Hoka styles will love the Mafate Speed 4 Trail Running Shoe, which is incredibly lightweight and offers firmer support rather than cloud-like comfort.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 29 Nov. 2025
Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight and warm clothing.
—Cailey Gleeson, jsonline.com, 29 Nov. 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 30 Nov. 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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