WordGarden.ioflyweight
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /flˈaɪweɪt/
US
- /flˈaɪweɪt/
Meanings
Noun
a very light combat-sport weight class or a competitor in it
something very small, light, or of little importance
a software object or design pattern that reduces memory use by sharing data
Adjective
belonging to or involving the flyweight class
very small or light compared with similar things
Beyond the definition
The term "flyweight" comes from boxing, where it names one of the lightest weight classes. Outside the ring, it can also describe someone or something that is very light, small, or not very strong. In a more figurative way, it may suggest that a person, idea, or effort does not carry much weight or influence. The word often gives a sense of lightness, quickness, or limited power.
The word "flyweight" is closely tied to boxing. It names one of the lightest weight classes, used for fighters who are small, fast, and quick in the ring. In professional boxing, this class has traditionally included fighters up to 112 pounds. When people hear the word in its most direct sense, this is usually what they think of first.
From there, the word has also been used more broadly. It can describe a person or thing that is very light in weight, and sometimes one that seems slight or delicate. It can also be used figuratively for someone or something that lacks force, importance, or influence. For example, a flyweight opponent may be easy to defeat, and a flyweight argument may sound weak or unimpressive.
Think of the word as carrying the idea of little weight, either in a physical sense or in a social or figurative one. In one story, it belongs to a boxer moving quickly around the ring. In another, it describes a person, object, or claim that does not have much force behind it. Across these uses, the central idea stays the same: something light, slight, or not especially powerful.
Examples
- 1
Boxing title
She won the flyweight title last year.
- 2
Weight class
After gaining muscle, he moved up from flyweight to bantamweight.
- 3
Lightweight object
Compared with the bigger models, this camera is a flyweight.
See also
Similar
- small fighter
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- flyweight champion
- flyweight division
- flyweight bout
Explore
- weight class
- bantamweight
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- flyweightnoun