overweight

American  

[oh-ver-weyt, oh-ver-weyt, oh-ver-weyt] / ˈoʊ vərˈweɪt, ˈoʊ vərˌweɪt, ˌoʊ vərˈweɪt /

adjective

1. weighing too much or more than is considered normal, proper, etc..

   overweight luggage; an overweight patient; two letters that may be overweight.

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noun

1. extra or excess weight above what law or regulation allows, as of baggage or freight.

   The overweight will cost us $12.

2. weight in excess of that considered normal, proper, healthful, etc..

   Overweight in a child should not be neglected.

3. greater effect or importance; preponderance.

verb (used with object)

overweights, present (3rd person singular) overweighted, past participle, past overweighting present participle

1. to weight excessively; exceed the weight limit of.

2. to give too much consideration or emphasis to; stress unduly.

overweight British  

adjective

1. weighing more than is usual, allowed, or healthy

2. finance

   1. having a higher proportion of one's investments in a particular sector of the market than the size of that sector relative to the total market would suggest: portfolio managers are currently overweight in bonds

   2. (of a fund etc) invested disproportionately in this way

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noun

1. extra or excess weight

2. archaic greater importance or effect

verb

1. to give too much emphasis or consideration to

2. to add too much weight to

3. to weigh down

Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

• overweighting
  present
• overweighted
  past

Conjugated Forms

Present

• overweight
  simple
• overweights
  simple
• have overweighted
  perfect
• has overweighted
  perfect
• am overweighting
  progressive
• are overweighting
  progressive
• is overweighting
  progressive
• have been overweighting
  perfect progressive
• has been overweighting
  perfect progressive

Past

• overweighted
  simple
• had overweighted
  perfect
• was overweighting
  progressive
• were overweighting
  progressive
• had been overweighting
  perfect progressive

Future

• will overweight
  simple
• will have overweighted
  perfect
• will be overweighting
  progressive
• will have been overweighting
  perfect progressive

Etymology

Origin of overweight

First recorded in 1545–55; over- + weight

Example Sentences

Prolonged sitting can increase the risk, external of being overweight and developing heart disease and type 2 diabetes, say experts.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026

It is different from the type 2 form of the disease, which is often - but not always - associated with being overweight.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

About 75% of Americans were overweight or obese in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 21, 2026

By cutting their recommended weighting in the more defensive healthcare sector, Barclays are funding their shift to overweight in luxury.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 17, 2026

Incorrect: Dumpy and overweight, the vet says our dog needs more exercise.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

Related Words

• corpulent
• obese
• pudgy