makeweight

noun

make·​weight ˈmāk-ˌwāt How to pronounce makeweight (audio)
1
a
: something thrown into a scale to bring the weight to a desired value
b
: something of little independent value thrown in to fill a gap
2

Examples of makeweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Saudi Arabia has, of course, thrown its weight into that particular competitive space, too: The PIF owns a controlling stake in Newcastle United, the longstanding Premier League makeweight that will play in the Champions League next season for the first time in two decades. Rory Smith, New York Times, 9 June 2023 Teams rooted in neighborhoods and based in small towns compete in domestic leagues that have existed for more than a century, competitions in which the great and the good share the field — and at least some of the finances — with the minor and the makeweight. New York Times, 22 Apr. 2021 Isabella, a third-year player, could be an attractive makeweight for Jacksonville and their new quarterback as a deep threat. Jeremy Cluff, The Arizona Republic, 10 Aug. 2021 One of those players is Paulo Dybala, who nearly signed with Spurs on deadline day in August - could he be used as a makeweight if Juve's finances would allow it? SI.com, 3 Oct. 2019 One player who has frequently been touted as a makeweight in a deal, and one who would knock the price down significantly, is French forward Ousmane Dembele, who joined Barça from Borussia Dortmund in the same window Neymar moved to France. SI.com, 16 Aug. 2019 Manchester City are reported to have finalised a £32m move for Juventus full-back Joao Cancelo, with Danilo heading to Turin as a makeweight in the deal. SI.com, 4 Aug. 2019 The report further claims that should Chelsea continue to pursue former Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri as Conte's successor that Luiz could be included as a makeweight of any potential deal. SI.com, 9 June 2018 The winger was supposed to be a makeweight in Madrid's attempts to lure Liverpool's rising star Mohamed Salah to the club; Los Blancos looking to exchange Bale and a set amount of cash for the flying Egyptian. SI.com, 9 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1695, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of makeweight was in 1695

Dictionary Entries Near makeweight

Cite this Entry

“Makeweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/makeweight. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

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