middleweight

noun

mid·​dle·​weight ˈmi-dᵊl-ˌwāt 

: one of average weight

specifically : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 160 pounds for professionals and 165 pounds for amateurs compare light heavyweight, welterweight

Examples of middleweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Russian middleweight took down the 6-foot-4 Reese (8-2) early in the round and fended off submission efforts and appeared to be working for position before unleashing a series of thunderous strikes. —Brian Martin, Orange County Register, 18 Jan. 2025

Following a split decision loss to future UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in April 2018, Vettori put together a five-fight unbeaten streak. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025

In the evening’s middleweight co-main event, Cody Brundage faces Julian Marquez. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025

The Brazilian captured kickboxing world titles at middleweight and light heavyweight with GLORY Kickboxing, then switched to MMA and won UFC championships at middleweight and light heavyweight to become a two-sport, two-division world champion. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 14 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for middleweight

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

middleweight

noun

mid·​dle·​weight ˈmid-ᵊl-ˌwāt 

: one of average weight

especially : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 160 pounds