lightweight

American  

[lahyt-weyt] / ˈlaɪtˌweɪt /

adjective

1. light in weight.

2. being lighter in weight, texture, etc., than another item or object of identical use, quality, or function: a lightweight alloy for ship construction.

   a lightweight topcoat;

   a lightweight alloy for ship construction.

3. without seriousness of purpose; trivial or trifling.

   lightweight reading.

4. of or relating to a lightweight.

   He's the new lightweight contender.

5. (of a horse, especially a hunter) able to carry up to 165 pounds (75 kilograms).

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noun

1. a person of less than average weight.

2. Informal. a person who is of little influence, importance, or effect.

3. a boxer or other contestant intermediate in weight between a featherweight, and a welterweight, especially a professional boxer weighing between 126 and 135 pounds (56.7–61 kilograms).

lightweight British  

/ ˈlaɪtˌweɪt /

adjective

1. of a relatively light weight

2. not serious; trivial

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noun

1. a person or animal of a relatively light weight

2. 1. a professional boxer weighing 130–135 pounds (59–61 kg)

   2. an amateur boxer weighing 57–60 kg (126–132 pounds)

   3. ( as modifier )

      the lightweight contender

3. a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 115–126 pounds (52–57 kg))

4. informal a person of little importance or influence

Other Word Forms

• ultralightweight adjective

Etymology

Origin of lightweight

First recorded in 1765–75; light ² + weight

Example Sentences

He opens his lightweight jacket to reveal a modified tool belt around his waist.

From Literature

Beneath the seemingly lightweight nature of Fern’s work ran a most radical agenda.

From The Wall Street Journal

The lightweight interim title fight was a war that went against Pimblett in the end and the Liverpudlian now faces a spell on the sidelines recovering.

From BBC

With victory, Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title for the second time and will now face absent champion Ilia Topuria once he returns from a personal hiatus.

From BBC

Gaethje, 37, poses a serious threat to those ambitions as a top contender in the lightweight division for the past eight years and a former interim champion.

From BBC