lightweight

American  

[lahyt-weyt] / ˈlaɪtˌweɪt /

adjective

1. light in weight.

2. being lighter in weight, texture, etc., than another item or object of identical use, quality, or function: a lightweight alloy for ship construction.

   a lightweight topcoat;

   a lightweight alloy for ship construction.

3. without seriousness of purpose; trivial or trifling.

   lightweight reading.

4. of or relating to a lightweight.

   He's the new lightweight contender.

5. (of a horse, especially a hunter) able to carry up to 165 pounds (75 kilograms).

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noun

1. a person of less than average weight.

2. Informal. a person who is of little influence, importance, or effect.

3. a boxer or other contestant intermediate in weight between a featherweight, and a welterweight, especially a professional boxer weighing between 126 and 135 pounds (56.7–61 kilograms).

lightweight British  

/ ˈlaɪtˌweɪt /

adjective

1. of a relatively light weight

2. not serious; trivial

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noun

1. a person or animal of a relatively light weight

2. 1. a professional boxer weighing 130–135 pounds (59–61 kg)

   2. an amateur boxer weighing 57–60 kg (126–132 pounds)

   3. ( as modifier )

      the lightweight contender

3. a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 115–126 pounds (52–57 kg))

4. informal a person of little importance or influence

Other Word Forms

• ultralightweight adjective

Etymology

Origin of lightweight

First recorded in 1765–75; light ² + weight

Example Sentences

Berlin-based eyewear brand Mykita kick-starts a sunglasses spring with new minimalist lens shapes and ultra-slender lightweight frames.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Each trailer uses about 4,500 pounds of the lightweight metal, which is also its biggest cost center.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

Because of this, most lightweight vehicle parts are still made from primary aluminum produced from mined ore.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

Nyvang says Stilfold is working with Swedish automotive firms Volvo and Scania, to see if they can come up with new, lightweight parts for cars and trucks.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

Each solar cell is on a lightweight lattice that holds it at a 14-degree angle.

From "The Martian" by Andy Weir