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)

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

Etymology

Origin of overweight

First recorded in 1545–55; over- + weight

Example Sentences

Wells Fargo Investment Institute said it is overweight information technology, while maintaining an unfavorable view of consumer sectors.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Earlier this week, KeyBanc analyst John Vinh reiterated his overweight rating and $600 price target on the stock.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Kenanga maintains an overweight rating on Malaysia’s utilities sector, pegging Tenaga Nasional as its top pick, given the company’s exposure to demand growth as well as higher investment in transmission and distribution.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

The car is overweight, and is especially poor in high-speed corners.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

“There’s no reason to be sensitive about being a little overweight, Bull. A lot of people are fat,” she teased.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy

Related Words

• corpulent
• obese
• pudgy