Definition

A person who competes in a specific weight class in boxing or other sports, typically with a maximum weight of 118 pounds.

Example

The bantamweight champion defended his title successfully last night.

Conversation

Did you catch the bantamweight fight last night?

Yeah, it was pretty intense!

I didn't expect the bantamweight to win that easily.

Me neither, but he really showed his skills.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bantamweight → The word is formed from 'bantam' (from Malay 'bantam', meaning small) and 'weight' (from Old English 'wiht', meaning a measure or quantity). The term 'bantamweight' refers to a weight class in boxing or martial arts for smaller fighters, indicating a specific weight limit.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bantam' meaning small, which helps you remember that 'bantamweight' refers to a weight class for smaller fighters.

Visually Confused Words