lightweight

1 of 2

noun

light·​weight ˈlīt-ˌwāt How to pronounce lightweight (audio)
plural lightweights
1
: one of less than average weight
specifically : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 135 pounds for professionals and 132 pounds for amateurs compare featherweight, welterweight
2
: one of little consequence or ability
a political lightweight
3
: a person who becomes inebriated after consuming relatively small amounts of alcohol or drugs
Even at 6 foot 5 inches tall, Dean was a lightweight, and he sounded to be two drinks in, Johnson said.Kate Sosin

lightweight

2 of 2

adjective

1
: lacking in earnestness, ability, or profundity : inconsequential
a lightweight painter
a lightweight TV series
2
: having less than average weight
lightweight fabrics
3
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a lightweight
the lightweight championship

Examples of lightweight in a Sentence

Noun The members of his staff were considered lightweights. among astronomers she's considered a lightweight Adjective it's going to be hot, so wear mostly lightweight clothing
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
This lightweight puffer jacket is super smooth and soft to the touch and easy to put on. Casey Clark, Parents, 5 Mar. 2024 This lightweight set from Ringcal is plated with 14-karat gold that is hypoallergenic and free of lead and nickel. Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024 This pair are a delicate design and lightweight for a comfortable feel. Kat Romero, Rolling Stone, 31 Jan. 2024 The East Coast socialites Capote fawns over are lacquered gorgons (for whom the show occasionally sheds crocodile tears, as in the case of Paley’s cancer diagnosis); the Hollywood crowd that takes him in is tasteless lightweights. Mike Hale, New York Times, 31 Jan. 2024 This is because wool, especially merino wool, is one of the best materials out there with its lightweight yet warm, quick-drying, and odor-absorbing properties — a.k.a. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2024 Post-wash, this comforter retained its lightweight and silky soft feel and dried in one go. Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2024 The goal was to make selling points out of characteristics that were initially mocked, particularly the Glock’s lightweight, polymer frame and blocky metal barrel. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 28 Dec. 2023 Zelensky’s Rise: The Ukrainian president, once brushed off as a political lightweight, has become a household name, representing his country’s tenacity. Oleg Matsnev Gray Beltran, New York Times, 4 Dec. 2023
Adjective
But Take Note The lightweight chairs tended to tip over, posing a risk of falls. Samantha McIntyre, Parents, 9 Mar. 2024 Shark Ultra-Light Vacuum $182 Add some luxury to your cleaning routine with this lightweight multi-purpose vacuum. Christopher Murray, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2024 The Mountain 600s have Vibram SPE midsoles made with natural rubber and EVA, designed to be both lightweight, comfortable, and resilient. Lauren Mazzo, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2024 The lightweight formula goes on like a serum and sinks in instantly. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024 Aluminum is a lightweight option that costs less, but it must be treated to withstand water and slow any rusting. Samantha S. Thorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 Both rolling suitcases boast a lightweight and durable polycarbonate shell, 350-degree wheels, an underside grab handle, a water-resistant laundry bag, TSA locks and Away’s signature interior compression system. Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 It’s also constructed from a lightweight and breathable mesh material that fits comfortably over the lower half of the torso without pulling or digging. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 Save packing space by opting for the Patagonia Men’s Quandary Convertible Pants, which offer lightweight hiking pants and zip-off shorts in one stylish and sustainable package. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lightweight.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1773, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lightweight was in 1773

Dictionary Entries Near lightweight

Cite this Entry

“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lightweight

1 of 2 noun
light·​weight ˈlīt-ˌwāt How to pronounce lightweight (audio)
1
: one of less than average weight
especially : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 135 pounds
2
: a person of little importance

lightweight

2 of 2 adjective
: having less than the usual or expected weight

More from Merriam-Webster on lightweight

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