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
Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2026
Although lightweight, the shoe doesn’t compromise on support — it’s designed with a memory foam sole that absorbs impact and provides an extra layer of padding.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
The collection also offers the Mama Tee, a lightweight cotton jersey tee available in gray and ivory, and the Girlfriend Tee, a white single knit jersey with a structured peplum silhouette.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing.
—Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2026
Although lightweight, the shoe doesn’t compromise on support — it’s designed with a memory foam sole that absorbs impact and provides an extra layer of padding.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 10 May 2026
Adjective
There’s nothing worse than sweaty feet — but luckily, lightweight, breathable, and cute sneakers do exist to keep your feet cool but still supported.
—Aashna Gheewalla, PEOPLE, 14 May 2026
The collection also offers the Mama Tee, a lightweight cotton jersey tee available in gray and ivory, and the Girlfriend Tee, a white single knit jersey with a structured peplum silhouette.
—Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 May 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 16 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
