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

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."

Informally, something so outdated or useless it is fit only to hold papers down.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 notes

In plain EnglishA small decorative object for weighing down papers, or a joking way to call something useless.

Word forms

paperweights plural

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A glass _____ sat on her desk beside the lamp.

Etymology

From paper + weight.

Rhymes for paperweight

eight weight height freight sleight overweight lightweight heavyweight middleweight

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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.