weigh

1 of 2

verb

ˈwā 

weighed; weighing; weighs

transitive verb

1

: to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance

2

a

: outweigh

b

: counterbalance

c

: to make heavy : weight

—often used with down

3

: to consider carefully especially by balancing opposing factors or aspects in order to reach a choice or conclusion : evaluate

weighing her options

4

: to heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing

5

: to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scales

intransitive verb

1

a

: to have a certain heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity

b

: to register a weight (as on a scales)

—used with in or out compare weigh in

2

: to merit consideration as important : count

evidence will weigh heavily against him

3

a

: to press down with or as if with a heavy weight

b

: to have a saddening or disheartening effect

guilt weighed on my mind

4

: to weigh anchor

weighable

ˈwā-ə-bəl 

adjective

weigher noun

weigh

2 of 2

noun

: way

—used in the phrase under weigh

Synonyms

Verb

• count
• import
• matter
• mean
• signify

Choose the Right Synonym for weigh

consider, study, contemplate, weigh mean to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision.

consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence.

weigh the pros and cons of the case

Examples of weigh in a Sentence

Verb

She weighs herself every morning.

He used a scale to weigh the bananas.

The bananas weigh more than the apples.

How much do you weigh?

You will need to weigh the pros and cons.

He took time to weigh his options.

Her previous experience weighs in her favor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Built from white gold, the watch weighs over two pounds (960 grams) and measures 90.8 mm across by 50.55 mm thick. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2024

But increasingly, the FDA had to weigh the growing legitimate medical interest in using diet as a preventative solution to public health, as well as the rise of a new self-improvement culture that made Americans more health conscious. —TIME, 11 Apr. 2024

The block of cheese weighs 72 lbs., and is imported from Italy for $950. —Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

Moten’s power armor, a bulky suit of advanced weaponry, weighed 120 pounds, and took 10-12 minutes to detach from. —Jordan Moreau, Variety, 10 Apr. 2024

Planned Parenthood and Mayes were weighing their options about how to proceed in court. —Stacey Barchenger, The Arizona Republic, 10 Apr. 2024

That said, on average, a large mature whitetail buck may weigh over 220 pounds, but a large, mature muley might push 250. —Scott Bestul, Field & Stream, 10 Apr. 2024

On average, a male polar bear will weigh between 600 and 1200 pounds, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. —Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024

Perhaps, in some respects, there’s a comparison to be made between Keller and another Hockey East standout, Will Smith, the Sharks’ top prospect who could be weighing whether to turn pro after one season at Boston College. —Curtis Pashelka, The Mercury News, 7 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English weyen, from Old English wegan to move, carry, weigh — more at way

Noun

alteration of way

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1777, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing weigh

• prey/weigh on someone's mind
• weigh anchor
• weigh a ton
• weigh in
• under weigh
• weigh down
• weigh one's words
• weigh out
• weigh on
• weigh up

Kids Definition

weigh

verb

ˈwā

1

a

: to find the heaviness of

weighed the bag of onions on a scale

b

: to have weight or a certain weight

he weighs 200 pounds

2

a

: to consider carefully : ponder

weigh your chances of winning

b

: to be important : count

the evidence will weigh heavily against him

3

: to raise before sailing

weigh anchor

4

: to measure on or as if on a scale

weigh out several pounds of rice

5

: to press down with or as if with a weight

her worries weigh heavily on her

weigher noun

Medical Definition

weigh

transitive verb

ˈwā 

1

: to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance

2

: to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scale

intransitive verb

: to have a certain amount of heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity