lightweight

[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 topcoat; a lightweight alloy for ship construction.
3.
without seriousness of purpose; trivial or trifling:
lightweight reading.
4.
of or pertaining to a lightweight:
He's the new lightweight contender.
5.
(of a horse, especially a hunter) able to carry up to 165 pounds (75 kg).
noun
6.
a person of less than average weight.
7.
Informal. a person who is of little influence, importance, or effect.
8.
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 kg).
Origin
1765-75; light2 + weight
Related forms
ultralightweight, adjective
Examples from the web for lightweight
  • Books find a home alongside art and other treasures on these lightweight suspension shelves.
  • It's an affordable and lightweight alternative to wood.
  • Also steer clear of lightweight or shriveled bulbs, since these may have lost too much moisture to recover well.
  • Mentions an ultra-lightweight version called autoclaved aerated concrete.
  • Sometimes a skirt or lightweight cotton pants with a simple top or a tank with a cardigan.
  • It's lightweight yet powerful, useful yet unobtrusive.
  • The vest is made of a soft, lightweight, breathable mesh that's designed to allow a full range of motion.
  • Lithium ion technology was pivotal in the transformation to small, lightweight, and low-cost portable electronics.
  • Strong and lightweight, the metal also had one crucial drawback: it could not be worked by hammering, the way iron could.
  • With a lightweight video camera along for the ride, the resulting videos include some stunning images of our blue planet.
British Dictionary definitions for lightweight

lightweight

/ˈlaɪtˌweɪt/
adjective
1.
of a relatively light weight
2.
not serious; trivial
noun
3.
a person or animal of a relatively light weight
4.
  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
5.
a wrestler in a similar weight category (usually 115–126 pounds (52–57 kg))
6.
(informal) a person of little importance or influence
Word Origin and History for lightweight
adj.

also light-weight, 1773 in horse-racing, also in pugilism; from light (adj.1) + weight. Figurative sense of "inconsequential" first attested 1809.

Slang definitions & phrases for lightweight

lightweight

adjective

Inconsequential; unserious (1809+)

noun

: He seems like a lightweight to me, don't pay him any attention (1882+)