middleweight

American  

[mid-l-wayt] / ˈmɪd lˌweɪt /

noun

1. a boxer or other contestant intermediate in weight between a welterweight and a light heavyweight, especially a professional boxer weighing up to 160 pounds (72.5 kilograms).

---

adjective

1. Boxing. of or relating to middleweights.

   the middleweight division.

2. (of a horse, especially a hunter) able to carry up to 185 pounds (83.9 kilograms).

middleweight British  

/ ˈmɪdəlˌweɪt /

noun

1. 1. a professional boxer weighing 154–160 pounds (70–72.5 kg)

   2. an amateur boxer weighing 71–75 kg (157–165 pounds)

   3. ( as modifier )

      a middleweight contest

2. a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 172–192 pounds (78–87 kg))

---

Etymology

Origin of middleweight

First recorded in 1870–75; middle + weight

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

middleweight

Benn had not competed at the 10st 7lb welterweight limit for more than four years, with the two defining nights of his career coming at middleweight against Eubank.

From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026

The super welterweight boxer is the oldest son of two-time middleweight world champion Fernando Vargas.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2026

IBF light middleweight champion Oshae Jones seems the logical next step; or IBF, WBO and The Ring middleweight belt holder Tammara Thibeault of Canada.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

It’s the perfect time for UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland to sneak into the venue, jump into the WWE ring, and begin to make a scene.

From Slate ● Jun. 16, 2026

Robert Cohn was once middleweight boxing champion of Princeton.

From "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---