middleweight

noun

mid·​dle·​weight ˈmi-dᵊl-ˌwāt How to pronounce middleweight (audio)
Synonyms of middleweightnext
: one of average weight
specifically : a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 160 pounds for professionals and 165 pounds for amateurs compare light heavyweight, welterweight

Examples of middleweight 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.
The Big 12 is a league of middleweights and fine margins. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 29 Nov. 2025 Gastelum has missed weight on several occasions in the past, both at welterweight and middleweight. — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025 Even though the press material calls it a middleweight, my motorcycle brain refuses to do the same. — New Atlas, 14 May 2026 Crawford’s last fight was as a light middleweight, meaning the American will be stepping up two weight classes to fight the Mexican. — Ben Morse, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for middleweight

Word History

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of middleweight was in 1847

Rhymes for middleweight

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Browse Nearby Words

middle way
middleweight
Middle Welsh
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Cite this Entry

“Middleweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middleweight. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

middleweight

noun
mid·​dle·​weight ˈmid-ᵊl-ˌwāt How to pronounce middleweight (audio)
: one of average weight
especially : a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 160 pounds

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