heavyweight

[hev-ee-weyt]

adjective

1. heavy in weight.

2. of more than average weight or thickness.

   a coat of heavyweight material.

3. noting or pertaining to a boxer, wrestler, etc., of the heaviest competitive class, especially a professional boxer weighing more than 175 pounds (79.4 kilograms).

4. of or relating to the weight class or division of such boxers.

   a heavyweight bout.

5. (of a riding horse, especially a hunter) able to carry up to 205 pounds (93 kilograms).

6. designating a person, company, nation, or other entity that is extremely powerful, influential, or important.

   a team of heavyweight lawyers.

noun

1. a person of more than average weight.

2. a heavyweight boxer or wrestler.

3. a person, company, nation, or other entity that is powerful and influential.

   a price hike initiated by the heavyweights in the industry.

heavyweight

/ ˈhɛvɪˌweɪt /

noun

1. a person or thing that is heavier than average

2. 1. a professional boxer weighing more than 175 pounds (79 kg)

   2. an amateur boxer weighing more than 81 kg (179 pounds)

   3. ( as modifier )

      the world heavyweight championship

3. a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually over 214 pounds (97 kg))

4. informal,  an important or highly influential person

Word History and Origins

Origin of heavyweight¹

First recorded in 1850–55; heavy + weight

Example Sentences

Raja Jackson — the son of former UFC light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson — will face criminal charges for delivering a bloody beatdown to a professional wrestler in Los Angeles earlier this year, authorities said Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

In the opening contest of a heavyweight series, the defending champions were down.

From Los Angeles Times

However, both Union Saint-Gilloise and their captain will be ready for their home debut in the competition even if they go in as underdogs when they host Premier League heavyweights Newcastle United on 1 October.

From BBC

The heavyweight match-up of the world numbers one and two stands out in a list that has sees Bradley go do what Spaun suggested and "go for broke".

From BBC

“The more heavyweights involved, definitely more people might come to the table who wouldn’t otherwise come to the table and then they can try to convince them,” the agent said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bigwig 
• celebrity 
• luminary