bantamweight

noun

ban·​tam·​weight ˈban-təm-ˌwāt How to pronounce bantamweight (audio)
Synonyms of bantamweightnext
: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 118 pounds for professionals and 119 pounds for amateurs compare featherweight, flyweight

Examples of bantamweight in a Sentence

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Japan’s Junto Nakatani recently lost for the first time to Inoue in an entertaining fight after moving up from bantamweight but as a three-weight world champion is still very highly regarded. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 28 July 2026 Garbrandt, once an undefeated bantamweight king, now holds a 15-8 record, with most losses coming by finish. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 12 July 2026 In a bantamweight battle, Mario Bautista (18-3-0) defeated Cory Sandhagen (18-7-0) by unanimous decision, after taking advantage of a first-round leg kick and applying pressure in each round after. — W.g. Ramirez, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026 Rounding out the local talent will be East Palo Alto native Hector Fajardo, who will be fighting ex-UFC bantamweight Andre Soukhamthath in a featherweight kickboxing match. — Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bantamweight

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bantamweight was in 1884

Rhymes for bantamweight

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Browse Nearby Words

bantamize
bantamweight
bantay
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Cite this Entry

“Bantamweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bantamweight. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bantamweight

noun
ban·​tam·​weight -ˌwāt How to pronounce bantamweight (audio)
: a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of about 118 pounds

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