heft

1 of 2

noun

1
2
archaic : the greater part of something : bulk

heft

2 of 2

verb

hefted; hefting; hefts

transitive verb

1
: to heave up : hoist
2
: to test the weight of by lifting
hefting the rod … to get the feel of itConsumer Reports

Examples of heft in a Sentence

Noun the heft of a good hammer some synthetic fabrics are nice and warm, but I prefer wool because it has more heft Verb hefted his growing son onto his shoulders heft your baggy gym shorts a little higher—you're showing us more than we care to see
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.
Noun
In terms of heft, the Azoth X weighs 2.6 pounds, nearly half the total of the similarly sized (and cheaper) OnePlus Keyboard 81 Pro, which clocks in at a comparatively hefty 4.16 pounds. PC Magazine, 17 July 2025 The interior eschews unnecessary heft by leaving out any use of such extravagances as undercoating, a heater, and backrests on the rear seats. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 14 July 2025
Verb
Many such bearers hefted tusks on-foot in long processions on the arduous, horrendously hot and often malaria-ridden trek to the port. Anthony R. Cannella, Hartford Courant, 13 June 2025 Each of the four wheels now has a motor for powering over rough terrain, and each robo-arm can heft up to 3 kg (6.6 lb). Paul Ridden may 28, New Atlas, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for heft

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from heave, after such pairs as weave : weft

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

circa 1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heft was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heft. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

heft

2 of 2 verb
1
: to heave up : lift
2
: to test the weight of by lifting

More from Merriam-Webster on heft

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