- 1[uncountable, countable] how heavy someone or something is, which can be measured in, for example, pounds or kilograms It is about 76 pounds in weight. Bananas are sold by weight. In the wild, this fish can reach a weight of 5 lbs. She is trying to lose weight (= become less heavy and less fat). He's put on/gained weight (= become heavier and fatter) since he gave up smoking. Sam has a weight problem (= is too fat). No more for me. I have to watch my weight. Topic CollocationsDiet and Exerciseweight
- put on/gain/lose weight/a few pounds
- watch/control/struggle with your weight
- be/become seriously overweight/underweight
- be/become clinically/morbidly obese
- achieve/facilitate/promote/stimulate weight loss
- slim down to 160 pounds
- combat/prevent/tackle/treat obesity
- develop/have/suffer from/struggle with/recover from anorexia/bulimia/an eating disorder
- be on/go on/follow a crash/strict diet
- have/suffer from a negative/distorted body image
- have/develop a positive/healthy/realistic body image
- eat a balanced diet/healthily/well
- get/provide/receive adequate/proper nutrition
- contain/get/provide essential nutrients/vitamins/minerals
- be high/low in calories/fat/fiber/protein/vitamin D/Omega-3 fatty acids/trans-fats
- contain (no)/use/be full of/be free from additives/chemical preservatives/artificial sweeteners/high-fructose corn syrup
- avoid/cut down on/cut out alcohol/caffeine/fatty foods
- stop/quit smoking
- get regular exercise
- do moderate/strenuous/vigorous exercise
- play football/hockey/tennis/soccer
- go jogging/running
- go to/visit/hit/work out at the gym
- strengthen/tone/train your stomach muscles
- contract/relax/stretch/use/work your lower-body muscles
- build (up)/gain muscle
- improve/increase your stamina/energy levels/physical fitness
- burn/consume/expend calories
- be/get/keep/stay healthy/in shape
- lower your cholesterol/blood pressure
- boost/stimulate/strengthen your immune system
- prevent/reduce the risk of heart disease/high blood pressure/diabetes/osteoporosis
- reduce/relieve/manage/combat stress
- enhance/promote relaxation/physical and mental well-being
- 2[uncountable] the fact of being heavy He staggered a little under the weight of his backpack. I just hoped the branch would hold my weight. The pillars have to support the weight of the roof. Don't put any weight on that ankle for at least a week. see dead weight
- 3[countable] an object that is heavy The doctor said he should not lift heavy weights.
- 4[countable] an object used to keep something in position or as part of a machine weights on a fishing line see paperweight responsibility/worry
- 5[singular] weight (of something) a great responsibility or worry synonym burden The full weight of responsibility falls on her. The news was certainly a weight off my mind (= I did not have to worry about it any more). Finally telling the truth was a great weight off my shoulders. influence/strength
- 6[uncountable] importance, influence, or strength The many letters of support added weight to the campaign. The president has now offered to lend his weight to the project. Your opinion carries weight with the boss. How can you ignore the sheer weight of medical opinion? The weight of evidence against her is overwhelming. for measuring/lifting
- 7[countable, uncountable] a unit or system of units by which weight is measured tables of weights and measures imperial/metric weight
- 8[countable] a piece of metal that is known to weigh a particular amount and is used to measure the weight of something, or lifted by people to improve their strength and as a sport a set of weights She lifts weights as part of her training. He does a lot of weight training. Idioms
being heavy
used to say that there is too much of something
to work as hard as everyone else in a job, an activity, etc.
to be or try to be more successful than others in doing something that normally requires more skill, experience, money, etc. than you have This player seems to be able to constantly punch above his weight. He punched above his weight as the party's foreign affairs spokesman.
to use your position of authority or power in an aggressive way in order to achieve what you want She was a good manager, who didn't find it necessary to throw her weight around.
to use all your influence and power to support something The government has thrown its weight behind the anti-pollution campaign.
the combined power, strength, or influence of a group They won the argument by sheer weight of numbers.
very useful or valuable A good mechanic is worth his weight in gold.
Check pronunciation: weight