featherweight

noun

feath·​er·​weight ˈfe-t͟hər-ˌwāt 

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

: lightweight sense 2

featherweight adjective

Examples of featherweight in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Women’s world featherweight champion Shoko Nakajima currently sits on top of the division, but there are several others who are making waves and could certainly contend for the title in months and weeks to come. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026

The other day, an observer decided to follow one of these parcels, chosen at random—a featherweight, toaster-size box from Sephora, addressed to 235 West Forty-eighth Street—and chart its journey. —Henry Alford, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026

In July, McKee returned to featherweight and took on Akhmed Magomedov, one of many disciples of former UFC great Khabib Nurmagomedov. —Brian Martin, Oc Register, 19 Mar. 2026

Rousey, 39, and Carano, 43, will face off as featherweights (145 pounds). —Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for featherweight

• abdicate
• abrogate
• acetate
• activate
• actuate
• adsorbate
• aggravate
• agitate
• alginate
• alienate
• allocate
• amputate

Kids Definition

featherweight

noun

feath·​er·​weight -ˌwāt 

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