noun
Uncommon
heavyweight
HEH-vee-wayt
Heavyweight (noun) means the highest weight class in boxing and similar combat sports, or a competitor in that class. Example: “He became world heavyweight champion at just 24.”
noun
1
The highest weight class in boxing and similar combat sports, or a competitor in that class.
"He became world heavyweight champion at just 24."
2
An important, influential person or organization in a particular field.
"She's a political heavyweight with decades of experience."
adj
1
Important, powerful, or impressive.
"The film brought together a heavyweight cast of actors."
How to use heavyweight
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe top boxing weight class — or, more generally, someone or something with major influence and importance.
Common pairings
heavyweight champion
political heavyweight
a heavyweight cast
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Word forms
- Plural
- heavyweights
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He became world _____ champion at just 24.
Etymology
From "heavy" + "weight," originally describing the top weight division in boxing before it broadened to mean any dominant figure.
Related words
Rhymes for heavyweight
See all rhymes for heavyweight →Frequently asked questions
What does “heavyweight” mean?
The word “heavyweight” means the highest weight class in boxing and similar combat sports, or a competitor in that class. In plain terms, the top boxing weight class — or, more generally, someone or something with major influence and importance.
How do you pronounce “heavyweight”?
“Heavyweight” is pronounced HEH-vee-wayt (/ˈhɛ.vi.weɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “heavyweight” in a sentence?
Here is “heavyweight” used in a sentence: “He became world heavyweight champion at just 24.”
What part of speech is “heavyweight”?
Depending on how it is used, “heavyweight” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “heavyweight” a common word?
“Heavyweight” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “heavyweight” have?
“Heavyweight” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the highest weight class in boxing and similar combat sports, or a competitor in that class.
What is the difference between heavyweight and lightweight in boxing?
Heavyweight is the highest weight class in boxing, with no upper weight limit, while lightweight is a much lower weight class with a defined maximum. Heavyweight fighters are typically the largest and are often seen as the sport's most prominent competitors.
Can heavyweight describe someone outside of sports?
Yes, heavyweight is commonly used figuratively to describe an important, influential person or organization in a particular field, such as a 'political heavyweight' or 'industry heavyweight.' This use has nothing to do with physical size or boxing.
Is heavyweight used as an adjective as well as a noun?
Yes, as an adjective heavyweight describes something important, powerful, or impressive, such as a 'heavyweight report' or 'heavyweight cast.' As a noun it refers to the boxing class or an influential person.
