welterweight

noun

wel·​ter·​weight ˈwel-tər-ˌwāt 

: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 147 pounds compare lightweight, middleweight

Examples of welterweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Following her impressive performance, Shields immediately set her sights on an undisputed clash with undefeated IBF and WBO welterweight champion Lauren Price, potentially at 154 pounds, opening doors for other high-profile bouts. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Saturday night marked his seventh consecutive title-fight victory since October 2022 — the first five for the lightweight title and the past two for the welterweight strap. — Mark Puleo, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

An independent review of the scoring in Manny Pacquiao’s contentious WBO welterweight world title loss to Jeff Horn confirms the outcome in favor of the Australian. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

welter "a heavyweight horseman or boxer" (of obscure origin) + weight entry 1

Note: Compare welter in Joseph Wright, English Dialect Dictionary: "anything large of its kind; a 'whopper'" (attestation mostly from west Midlands).

First Known Use

circa 1892, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for welterweight

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate
• angulate

Kids Definition

welterweight

noun

wel·​ter·​weight ˈwel-tər-ˌwāt 

: a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of 147 pounds