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
Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
These lightweight, unisex glasses come in four different shades and provide polarization as well as 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
Clara McMahon, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
With lightweight materials and a focus on durability, Maui Jim’s a practical purchase.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 12 Apr. 2025
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Noun
After knocking out Charles Jourdain in late June, the 27-year-old moved up to lightweight to face hard-hitting Drew Dober on the main card of UFC Denver.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 Apr. 2025
These lightweight, unisex glasses come in four different shades and provide polarization as well as 100 percent UVA and UVB protection.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
These shoes have a thick yet lightweight sole to absorb impact, along with a super-cool exterior that has suede panels and breathable mesh detailing.
—Clara McMahon, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
With lightweight materials and a focus on durability, Maui Jim’s a practical purchase.
—Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 12 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 27 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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