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
  • Advanced composite materials are highly durable, lightweight items formed by two or more distinct substances that are tightly bound and can shoulder tremendous weight and pressure.
    — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Others praised the comfortable handles, sleek look, and substantial weight.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 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
  • Given the lefty-heaviness of the Yankees’ lineup, Stanton’s right-handed bat could factor in as a late-inning weapon.
    — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 28 Sep. 2026
  • While a label like ‘woman’ has always felt stifling and strange, ‘daughter’ doesn’t carry that heaviness.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The fleece lining adds warmth without extra bulk, and the outer polyester material is water-resistant to protect against rain and snow.
    — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 29 Sep. 2026
  • The team’s leading receiver was Brycen Tremayne — Xavier Legette didn’t play at all with a knee injury and Jalen Coker missed a bulk of the second half with a quad injury.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avoirdupois.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avoirdupois. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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