paperweight

noun

pa·​per·​weight ˈpā-pər-ˌwāt How to pronounce paperweight (audio)
: a usually small heavy object used to hold down loose papers (as on a desk)

Examples of paperweight 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.
Ever wondered if there’s more to that shiny industry award than using it as a fancy paperweight? Alison Coleman, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 There are records of him moving these figures around his study, using them as paperweights, swapping out the favorites on his desk—which was dark wood and presidential, Ivy League dean–like—maybe to guard his writings from any patients’ wandering eye. Maya Ibbitson, Architectural Digest, 12 Sep. 2024 People with the 2015 Apple Watch Editions learned that last year when the $10,000 to $17,000 devices became paperweights. Adriana Lee, WWD, 19 Aug. 2024 Right: a monkey’s hand is used as a paperweight on the desk of Edward Taub. Jan Dutkiewicz, Vox, 8 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for paperweight 

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paperweight was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near paperweight

Cite this Entry

“Paperweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperweight. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

paperweight

noun
pa·​per·​weight ˈpā-pər-ˌwāt How to pronounce paperweight (audio)
: an object used to hold down loose papers by its weight

More from Merriam-Webster on paperweight

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