plural lightweights
1
: one of less than average weight
specifically
: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs compare featherweight, welterweight
2
: one of little consequence or ability
a political lightweight
3
: a person who becomes inebriated after consuming relatively small amounts of alcohol or drugs
Even at 6 foot 5 inches tall, Dean was a lightweight, and he sounded to be two drinks in, Johnson said.—
Kate Sosin
Kate Sosin1
: lacking in earnestness, ability, or profundity : inconsequential
a lightweight painter
a lightweight TV series
2
: having less than average weight
lightweight fabrics
3
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight
the lightweight championship
Examples of lightweight in a Sentence
Noun
The members of his staff were considered lightweights.
among astronomers she's considered a lightweight
Adjective
it's going to be hot, so wear mostly lightweight clothing
Recent Examples on the Web
Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
The Bangles were dismissed as lightweights While poring over old newspaper and magazine stories about the band, Bickerdike was struck by the rampant sexism applied to The Bangles, now shrugged off as a product of the era.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Clara McMahon, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Banana Republic chiffon twist-neck top: $100 Banana Republic’s chiffon tops are lightweight with a high neck for a professional look.
—Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
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Noun
Keep reading to find more great lightweight, cooling comforters and quilts below—all on sale.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2025
The Bangles were dismissed as lightweights While poring over old newspaper and magazine stories about the band, Bickerdike was struck by the rampant sexism applied to The Bangles, now shrugged off as a product of the era.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Plus, it’s made from a soft and lightweight cotton blend that’s great for layering.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
Banana Republic chiffon twist-neck top: $100 Banana Republic’s chiffon tops are lightweight with a high neck for a professional look.
—Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lightweight
Cite this Entry
“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lightweight
1 of 2 noun
light·weight
ˈlīt-ˌwāt 
1
: one of less than average weight
especially
: a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 135 pounds
2
: a person of little importance
lightweight
2 of 2 adjective
: having less than the usual or expected weight
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