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
Kate Sosin1
: 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
Synonyms
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 WebLoren Savini, Allure, 25 Apr. 2024
The formula has a silky lightweight feel that works perfectly for those with drier skin textures.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024
Lieberman cast Obama as a political show horse, a lightweight with a thin record of accomplishment in the Senate despite his soaring eloquence as a speaker.
—Susan Haigh, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2024
This oil-free marvel strikes the perfect balance, providing a lightweight, moisturizing touch that combo skin craves.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
The green edition, with a lightweight, 39 mm titanium case, is limited to 25 pieces.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
From vain lightweight to ambitious woman = bad mom, these three have all the major stereotypes about women in the workplace covered.
—TIME, 14 Mar. 2024
There’s a lot of room to play with this trend by pairing the sheer pieces with mesh, crochet, and other lightweight (and very layerable) fabrics.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 2024
But Take Note The lightweight, nongreasy lotion has a slight hint of the 70-plus-year-old French brand's beloved, child-appropriate scent that will linger on the skin.
—Tanya Edwards, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024
Rachel Trujillo, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024
Built from titanium, don’t let the 44.5 mm diameter scare you off from what is an impressively lightweight offering from Japan’s best.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2024
Residents may wish to take action to secure trash cans, lawn furniture, and other lightweight outdoor objects that may be blown around in the strong winds.
—Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2024
Urban CoCo Open Front Cardigan Amazon shoppers love this super lightweight cardigan for cooler spring days.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2024
The versatile pick is lightweight and can tackle many home projects.
—Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2024
Made with premium and synthetic leather, the Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro sneakers also have a foam midsole for lightweight cushioning and solid rubber outsoles for traction — all with Nike’s design silhouette that’s eye-catching and an all-time favorite.
—Rudie Obias, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024
In the case of frames, for example, robots with lightweight but strong carbon fiber bodies could support larger mass structures without buckling compared to animal bones.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2024
Some of our picks are more lightweight and are better for withstanding light rain rather than torrential downpours.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Noun
Ilia Ilia Liquid Light Serum Highlighter $42 Nordstrom $42
Revolve
$42
Ilia Beauty
This lightweight, serum highlighter has a subtle, dewy glow.
—Loren Savini, Allure, 25 Apr. 2024
The formula has a silky lightweight feel that works perfectly for those with drier skin textures.
—Clare Holden, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2024
Lieberman cast Obama as a political show horse, a lightweight with a thin record of accomplishment in the Senate despite his soaring eloquence as a speaker.
—Susan Haigh, Fortune, 28 Mar. 2024
This oil-free marvel strikes the perfect balance, providing a lightweight, moisturizing touch that combo skin craves.
—Lauren Paige Richeson, Health, 3 Apr. 2024
The green edition, with a lightweight, 39 mm titanium case, is limited to 25 pieces.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2024
From vain lightweight to ambitious woman = bad mom, these three have all the major stereotypes about women in the workplace covered.
—TIME, 14 Mar. 2024
There’s a lot of room to play with this trend by pairing the sheer pieces with mesh, crochet, and other lightweight (and very layerable) fabrics.
—Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 2024
But Take Note The lightweight, nongreasy lotion has a slight hint of the 70-plus-year-old French brand's beloved, child-appropriate scent that will linger on the skin.
—Tanya Edwards, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024
Adjective
The Pioneer Woman Keyhole Blouse Buy on Walmart $20
The Pioneer Woman Keyhole Blouse is a lightweight, long-sleeve top that features several details that are ideal for spring.
—Rachel Trujillo, Peoplemag, 27 Apr. 2024
Built from titanium, don’t let the 44.5 mm diameter scare you off from what is an impressively lightweight offering from Japan’s best.
—Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2024
Residents may wish to take action to secure trash cans, lawn furniture, and other lightweight outdoor objects that may be blown around in the strong winds.
—Star-Telegram Bot, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Apr. 2024
Urban CoCo Open Front Cardigan Amazon shoppers love this super lightweight cardigan for cooler spring days.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2024
The versatile pick is lightweight and can tackle many home projects.
—Maya Polton, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2024
Made with premium and synthetic leather, the Nike Air Jordan 3 Retro sneakers also have a foam midsole for lightweight cushioning and solid rubber outsoles for traction — all with Nike’s design silhouette that’s eye-catching and an all-time favorite.
—Rudie Obias, Variety, 26 Apr. 2024
In the case of frames, for example, robots with lightweight but strong carbon fiber bodies could support larger mass structures without buckling compared to animal bones.
—Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 24 Apr. 2024
Some of our picks are more lightweight and are better for withstanding light rain rather than torrential downpours.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 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.
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Cite this Entry
“Lightweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lightweight. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lightweight
1 of 2 noun
light·weight
ˈlīt-ˌwāt 
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
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