WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025
light′ weight′, [Naut.]
light•weight (līt′wāt′),USA pronunciation adj.
n.
- Nautical, Naval TermsSee light displacement.
- 1765–75
light•weight (līt′wāt′),USA pronunciation adj.
- light in weight.
- being lighter in weight, texture, etc., than another item or object of identical use, quality, or function:a lightweight topcoat; a lightweight alloy for ship construction.
- without seriousness of purpose;
trivial or trifling:lightweight reading. - of or pertaining to a lightweight:He's the new lightweight contender.
- Sport(of a horse, esp. a hunter) able to carry up to 165 lb. (75 kg).
n.
- a person of less than average weight.
- Informal Termsa person who is of little influence, importance, or effect.
- Sporta boxer or other contestant intermediate in weight between a featherweight and a welterweight, esp. a professional boxer weighing between 126 and 135 lb. (56.7–61 kg).
- light2 + weight 1765–75
'light weight' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
Orlon
- aérogramme
- baker's dozen
- foamed metal
- jaconet
- light displacement
- lights
- lightweight
- taffeta