welterweight

noun

wel·​ter·​weight ˈwel-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce welterweight (audio)
: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 147 pounds compare lightweight, middleweight

Examples of welterweight 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.
In that matchup, recently crowned UFC welterweight champ Jack Della Maddalena looks to stave off the charge of ex-UFC lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025 Fabian is the brother of former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards, who was cornering him during the fight. James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025 Now Curiel wants to fight Rolando Romero, the WBA welterweight champion who most recently beat Ryan Garcia by unanimous decision in May. Jad El Reda, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for welterweight

Word History

Etymology

welter "a heavyweight horseman or boxer" (of obscure origin) + weight entry 1

Note: Compare welter in Joseph Wright, English Dialect Dictionary: "anything large of its kind; a 'whopper'" (attestation mostly from west Midlands).

First Known Use

circa 1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of welterweight was circa 1892

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Welterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welterweight. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

welterweight

noun
wel·​ter·​weight ˈwel-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce welterweight (audio)
: a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of 147 pounds

More from Merriam-Webster on welterweight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!