heavyweight

[ hev-ee-weyt ]

adjective

1. heavy in weight.
2. of more than average weight or thickness:

   a coat of heavyweight material.

3. noting or pertaining to a boxer, wrestler, etc., of the heaviest competitive class, especially a professional boxer weighing more than 175 pounds (79.4 kilograms).
4. of or relating to the weight class or division of such boxers:

   a heavyweight bout.

5. (of a riding horse, especially a hunter) able to carry up to 205 pounds (93 kilograms).
6. designating a person, company, nation, or other entity that is extremely powerful, influential, or important:

   a team of heavyweight lawyers.

noun

1. a person of more than average weight.
2. a heavyweight boxer or wrestler.
3. a person, company, nation, or other entity that is powerful and influential:

   a price hike initiated by the heavyweights in the industry.

heavyweight

/ ˈhɛvɪˌweɪt /

noun

1. a person or thing that is heavier than average
2. 1. a professional boxer weighing more than 175 pounds (79 kg)
   2. an amateur boxer weighing more than 81 kg (179 pounds)
   3. ( as modifier )

      the world heavyweight championship

3. a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually over 214 pounds (97 kg))
4. informal.
   an important or highly influential person

Word History and Origins

Origin of heavyweight¹

First recorded in 1850–55; heavy + weight

Example Sentences

He is an intellectual educated at Oxford University, is never seen without his signature slim, rectangular glasses and has been dubbed "Mr Digital" thanks to his pledge to whip Ghana into a technological heavyweight.

From BBC

On Friday, Netflix streamed boxing for the first time with a live fight between heavyweight legend Mike Tyson and YouTuber Jake Paul.

From BBC

The Los Gatos, Calif.-based streaming giant said 60 million households watched the bout between Paul, a fighter who has established his fame through YouTube, and Tyson, the 58-year-old former heavyweight champion.

From Los Angeles Times

Koch Industries, a traditional heavyweight among political donors, came in second.

From Salon

Former two-time heavyweight champion Miocic, 42, confirmed his retirement after defeat.

From BBC

Related Words

• bigwig
• celebrity
• luminary