heavyweight
UK: ˈhev.i.weɪt | US: ˈhev.i.weɪt
n. a person or thing of great weight, influence, or importance
n. (Boxing) a weight class for fighters typically above 175 lbs (79 kg)
adj. having great weight or significance
The word "heavyweight" combines "heavy" (Old English hefig, from Proto-Germanic habīgaz, meaning "having weight") and "weight" (Old English wiht, from Proto-Germanic wihtiz, meaning "a measure of heaviness"). Originally literal, it evolved metaphorically to denote importance or influence (e.g., "a heavyweight in politics"). In boxing, it was adopted in the 19th century to classify the heaviest fighters.
The boxer moved up to the heavyweight division after years as a middleweight.
She is a heavyweight in the field of quantum physics.
The suitcase was a heavyweight, barely fitting the airline’s limit.
The CEO’s heavyweight opinion swayed the board’s decision.
The documentary features interviews with cultural heavyweights.