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
  • Magnesium, on the other hand, shows much more potential, with the same quantity of water containing 2,980 kg (6,570 lb) of the element, roughly the weight of a 2024 Ford F-250 Super Duty Cargo Truck … so, a lot.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 July 2026
  • Black Americans have been feeling the weight of this political climate for years now, not as a single blow, but as one thing after another.
    Melissa S. Johnson, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 July 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
  • There is a heaviness and sorrow to that wise, ingenious goddess that obscured the character’s power and playfulness—a choice made by Nolan, no doubt to emphasize his dark themes.
    Caroline Mimbs Nyce, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • Pixie cuts work wonders on thick hair by removing length and heaviness from your strands, which lends so much more styling potential.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
Noun
  • Strappy sandals complete the look without adding any unnecessary bulk.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 21 July 2026
  • Shorter lengths are better for thick hair since a shorter cut removes bulk and weight.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 17 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Avoirdupois.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/avoirdupois. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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