Definition of avoirdupoisnext
1
as in weight
the amount that something weighs the coach limited his recruiting to linebackers of a certain avoirdupois

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2
as in ponderousness
the state or quality of being heavy told his patient that he had to do something about his unhealthy avoirdupois and that exercising would be a good start

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of avoirdupois To make the most of the full fury of its hot-cam performance, the Integra was trimmed of 140 pounds of not-so-necessary avoirdupois. Barry Winfield, Car and Driver, 21 May 2020 McCormick was a member of the Jolly Fat Men’s Club, a fraternal group that celebrated avoirdupois. John Kelly, Washington Post, 23 Sep. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for avoirdupois
Noun
  • Graham has had a penchant for getting defenses to punch above their weight class but has had only one top-10 defense statistically (2023 Raiders).
    Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • That was enough to establish a new West Virginia state weight record for blue catfish, surpassing the 71-pound fish Michael Ramey caught from the same Ohio River area in May.
    Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • This full-tang steak knife had a nice balanced weightiness.
    Emily Johnson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Mar. 2026
  • The somber atmospherics and satisfying weightiness allowed Dudamel to show off his new ensemble’s soloists and sections, which have prepped for his arrival by burnishing their sonic gold.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Dessens of every dimension — and all the other major characters, for that matter — are not the most colorful bunch, and the sober tone of the early episodes, such as the slate-gray Chicago winters, could have an unwelcome heaviness.
    Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to chronic pain, heaviness and bruising, Su says patients can also experience swelling, decreased mobility and increasing difficulty with everyday activities as the disease progresses.
    Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Costco generates a bulk of its operating income from membership fees, and this consistent revenue stream is reliable in a sector that has struggled given the cost pressures consumers are facing from inflation.
    Paulina Likos, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Like the Pull-On Jeans, there are no zippers or buttons, which cuts down on bulk and gives a sleeker finish.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avoirdupois.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avoirdupois. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

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