welterweight

noun

wel·​ter·​weight ˈwel-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce welterweight (audio)
Synonyms of welterweightnext
: a boxer in a weight division having a maximum limit of 147 pounds compare lightweight, middleweight

Examples of welterweight 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.
In the main event, ex-UFC welterweight kingpin Kamaru Usman ended a three-fight losing skid with a decision win over Joaquin Buckley. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025 Kamaru Usman of Nigeria looks on before a welterweight title bout against Leon Edwards of Jamaica during UFC 278 at Vivint Arena on August 20, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025 Martin competed professionally from 1989 to 2012 and became the world champion in the super welterweight division in 2009. —Michaela Zee, Variety, 9 June 2025 Gastelum dropped to welterweight for his next UFC fight. —Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for welterweight

Word History

Etymology

welter "a heavyweight horseman or boxer" (of obscure origin) + weight entry 1

Note: Compare welter in Joseph Wright, English Dialect Dictionary: "anything large of its kind; a 'whopper'" (attestation mostly from west Midlands).

First Known Use

circa 1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of welterweight was circa 1892

Rhymes for welterweight

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Browse Nearby Words

welter-out
welterweight
weltpolitik
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Cite this Entry

“Welterweight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/welterweight. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.

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Kids Definition

welterweight

noun
wel·​ter·​weight ˈwel-tər-ˌwāt How to pronounce welterweight (audio)
: a boxer in a weight division having an upper limit of 147 pounds

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