noun
paperweight
Paperweight (noun) means a small heavy object placed on top of loose papers to stop them blowing away. Example: “A glass paperweight sat on her desk beside the lamp.”
noun
1
A small heavy object placed on top of loose papers to stop them blowing away.
"A glass paperweight sat on her desk beside the lamp."
2
Informally, something so outdated or useless it is fit only to hold papers down.
"Without an internet connection, his old laptop was basically a paperweight."
How to use paperweight
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small decorative object for weighing down papers, or a joking way to call something useless.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like paperweight.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- paperweights
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A glass _____ sat on her desk beside the lamp.
Etymology
From paper + weight.
Rhymes for paperweight
See all rhymes for paperweight →Frequently asked questions
What does “paperweight” mean?
The word “paperweight” means a small heavy object placed on top of loose papers to stop them blowing away. In plain terms, a small decorative object for weighing down papers, or a joking way to call something useless.
How do you use “paperweight” in a sentence?
Here is “paperweight” used in a sentence: “A glass paperweight sat on her desk beside the lamp.”
What part of speech is “paperweight”?
“Paperweight” is a noun.
How many meanings does “paperweight” have?
“Paperweight” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small heavy object placed on top of loose papers to stop them blowing away.
