featherweight

noun

feath·​er·​weight ˈfe-t͟hər-ˌwāt How to pronounce featherweight (audio)
1
: one that is very light in weight
especially : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 126 pounds for professionals and 125 pounds for amateurs compare bantamweight, lightweight
2
featherweight adjective

Examples of featherweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the main event, recent UFC featherweight title challenger Diego Lopes faces the surging Jean Silva, who is undefeated since joining the UFC in 2024. Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025 Ortega was scheduled to face Aljamain Sterling in a 145-pound featherweight bout at UFC Shanghai, but it was moved to a catchweight of 153 pounds after both fighters missed weight. George Ramsay, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 Insta360 goes the extra mile with its Go line, a series of featherweight, wearable video cameras for action and vlogging. PC Magazine, 21 Aug. 2025 Ortega’s fight Saturday will take place in prime time in Shanghai – the main card starting at 6 p.m. there and 3 a.m. PT – against Sterling (24-5), an accomplished wrestler who moved up to featherweight after losing his title two years ago to Sean O’Malley. Brian Martin, Oc Register, 21 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for featherweight

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of featherweight was in 1812

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Cite this Entry

“Featherweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/featherweight. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

featherweight

noun
feath·​er·​weight -ˌwāt How to pronounce featherweight (audio)
1
: a very light weight
2
: one that weighs little
especially : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 126 pounds

More from Merriam-Webster on featherweight

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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