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.
One of the best welterweight fighters not currently signed to the UFC returns to action looking to put himself in the frame for his first shot in the Octagon. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 Lauren Price scored a unanimous points victory over Natasha Jonas inside a raucous Royal Albert Hall on Friday night to become the unified welterweight champion and hold the WBC, IBF and WBA welterweight world titles. Sarah Shephard, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025 Super lightweight Alberto Puello vs Sandor Martin: WBC super lightweight title Yoenis Tellez vs Julian Williams: Super welterweight Davis Vs. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 So far, the bantamweight, women's flyweight, welterweight, and featherweight rosters have been fully revealed. Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 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 23 Mar. 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!