paperweight

noun

pa·​per·​weight ˈpā-pər-ˌwāt How to pronounce paperweight (audio)
: a usually small heavy object used to hold down loose papers (as on a desk)

Examples of paperweight 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.
Rubio gave Leo a small crystal football paperweight. — Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026 But don’t turn local plans into decorative paperweights. — Sean Parks, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026 When that software vanishes with a bankrupt company, your car can go from daily driver to expensive paperweight overnight. — Matthew MacConnell, ArsTechnica, 17 Feb. 2026 Jellyfish paperweight $33 Shop Now Snow globes that stay put are paperweights. — Patricia Marx, New Yorker, 22 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for paperweight

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of paperweight was in 1822

Rhymes for paperweight

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Browse Nearby Words

paper wasp
paperweight
paperwhite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Paperweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/paperweight. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

paperweight

noun
pa·​per·​weight ˈpā-pər-ˌwāt How to pronounce paperweight (audio)
: an object used to hold down loose papers by its weight

More from Merriam-Webster on paperweight

Nglish: Translation of paperweight for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about paperweight

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