heavyweight
/ˈheviweɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈheviweɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈhe-vē-ˌwāt/ (ame, mw)
heavyweight — noun
- heavyweightsingular
- heavyweightsplural
1. a boxer who competes in the heaviest weight class of the sport, or the class its
a boxer who competes in the heaviest weight class of the sport, or the class itself, usually for boxers weighing 81 kilograms or more.
Kimura has trained for three years to compete as a heavyweight in next month's tournament.
attributive use: compete as a heavyweight
The heavyweight champion defended his title against a younger fighter from Nigeria.
heavyweight champion (common collocation)
Many fans consider the current heavyweight division the most exciting in boxing history.
Theo's uncle was a professional heavyweight who fought in over thirty matches.
- heavyweight boxer
more explicit; used when the context is not already about boxing
- lightweight
a boxer in the lightest professional weight class
文法句型
heavyweight + noun (attributive)
用法筆記
In boxing the heavyweight class has no upper weight limit. This sense is also used attributively (e.g. 'a heavyweight match').
常見錯誤
2. a person, organisation, or thing that has a lot of power, influence, or importan
a person, organisation, or thing that has a lot of power, influence, or importance in a particular area — for example, a leading politician, a major corporation, or an expert whose opinion carries weight.
Dr. Elena Vasquez is a heavyweight in cancer research whose work has saved thousands of lives.
heavyweight in [field]
The conference brought together political heavyweights from twelve countries to discuss climate policy.
political heavyweights (adjective + heavyweight)
Wei's firm is a heavyweight in the semiconductor industry, supplying chips to manufacturers worldwide.
A few media heavyweights control most of the news that people read every day.
- titan
similar meaning but slightly more dramatic; often used for industry leaders ('tech titan')
- giant
can refer to either a person or an organisation; more general
- powerhouse
emphasises energy and productive force rather than influence alone
- bigwig
informal; sometimes humorous or slightly dismissive
- lightweight
slang for a person of little importance or ability
- nobody
informal; a person of no importance or influence
文法句型
heavyweight in [field]
political / media / industry heavyweight
用法筆記
Commonly modified by an area noun: 'political heavyweight', 'media heavyweight', 'tech heavyweight', 'industry heavyweight'. This is a figurative extension of the boxing sense and is the most frequent modern use of the word.
常見錯誤
3. an object or item that is noticeably heavier than normal, often making it diffic
an object or item that is noticeably heavier than normal, often making it difficult to move or carry.
Amina struggled to lift the suitcase, which was a real heavyweight after she packed all her books.
informal: real heavyweight
The old cast-iron stove in the corner is a heavyweight — it took four people to move it inside.
Omar's new motorcycle is a heavyweight; he needs a stronger stand to keep it upright.
- heavy item
neutral, everyday alternative
- dead weight
usually refers to a person or object that is awkward to lift rather than just heavy
- featherweight
informal term for something very light
文法句型
a heavyweight + noun
real heavyweight
用法筆記
This sense is informal and less common than the other two. It is typically used in spoken English when commenting on the weight of a physical object, often with mild humour or exaggeration.