featherweight

noun

feath·​er·​weight ˈfe-t͟hər-ˌwāt How to pronounce featherweight (audio)
1
: one that is very light in weight
especially : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 126 pounds for professionals and 125 pounds for amateurs compare bantamweight, lightweight
2
featherweight adjective

Examples of featherweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In July 2023, Inoue moved up to junior featherweight, claiming the WBC and WBO belts in his first fight in his new weight division. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 3 May 2025 The 145-pound scrap will crown the next UFC featherweight champion. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 Take Bryce Mitchell, for instance, a 30-year-old UFC featherweight star from Arkansas. Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025 The 145-pound scrap will crown the next UFC featherweight champion. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for featherweight

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of featherweight was in 1812

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Featherweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/featherweight. Accessed 12 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

featherweight

noun
feath·​er·​weight -ˌwāt How to pronounce featherweight (audio)
1
: a very light weight
2
: one that weighs little
especially : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 126 pounds

More from Merriam-Webster on featherweight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!