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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
To take just one example from many hundreds, consider this conical, solid brass paperweight from minimalist Swedish firm Les Few, which will weigh down your expense reports and look damned good doing it. Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025 Without buy-in from the people who will actually use the system, even the most technically advanced AI solution can become an expensive digital paperweight. Stoyan Mitov, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025 That also locks down the phones, preventing thieves from accessing any personal information and essentially turning the devices into paperweights. Rich Schapiro, NBC news, 22 July 2025 The cubes are now to be found being used as paperweights across Anthropic’s office, researchers said. Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 June 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Paperweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperweight. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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

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