Heavyweight

/ˈhɛviweɪt/

nounmedium📊CommonSports
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A person or thing of great size, importance, or influence, especially in a particular field or context.

/ˈhɛviweɪt/

nounneutralmedium
Sports

A person or thing of considerable weight or importance.

The heavyweight boxing match drew a huge crowd.

💡 Simply: Imagine a super-strong boxer! A heavyweight is someone or something that's really important or powerful, like the top dog in a sport or a big company that everyone knows.

👶 For kids: A heavyweight is a really big and strong person or thing. Like a big, strong boxer!

More Examples

2

He's considered a heavyweight in the field of political science.

3

The company is a heavyweight in the tech industry.

How It's Used

Boxing

"The heavyweight champion defended his title."

Figurative

"He's a heavyweight in the world of finance."

2

Possessing considerable weight, size, or significance; influential or substantial.

/ˈhɛviweɪt/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Descriptive

Of great weight, size, or importance.

The heavyweight contender trained diligently.

💡 Simply: If something is heavyweight, it means it's super important or has a big impact. Like, a heavyweight problem is one you can't just ignore!

👶 For kids: If something is heavyweight, it's really big and heavy, or it's a really important problem.

More Examples

2

The conference addressed heavyweight concerns about the economy.

3

We need to address the heavyweight problem.

How It's Used

Sports

"He entered the heavyweight division of the competition."

Figurative

"The heavyweight issues facing the country require immediate attention."

Tip:Think of the adjective form describing something that is literally heavy, or figuratively 'heavy' with significance.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

Idioms & expressions

heavyweight champion

The boxing champion in the heavyweight division.

"The heavyweight champion is known for his powerful punches."

a heavyweight in...

a person who is very powerful or important in their field

"She is a heavyweight in the field of medical research."

From "heavy" and "weight". Originally used to describe a person of significant weight, particularly in boxing. Evolved to describe things of great importance or influence.

Originally used in sports, particularly boxing, to denote a high weight class. Its metaphorical usage to indicate significance has evolved over time.

Memory tip

Think of the physical weight as representing the importance or influence the person or thing has.

Word Origin

LanguageEnglish
Original meaning

"Combined from "heavy" (weight) and "weight""

heavyweight championheavyweight divisionheavyweight contenderheavyweight fighterheavyweight issue

Common misspellings

hevyweightheavy waight

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written