What does "catchweight" mean?
A weight category other than the standard weight categories: either an agreed-upon weight range or an agreement to allow any weight.
Catchweight
adj, adv, noun
adj, adv, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A weight category other than the standard weight categories: either an agreed-upon weight range or an agreement to allow any weight.
- Grammar: catchweight is listed as adj, adv, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bantamweight, featherweight, flyweight, heavyweight.
- Usage evidence: They'll break from the gate in full tack with jockeys riding catchweight in silks.
How to use "catchweight"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "catchweight" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "catchweight" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "catchweight" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "catchweight" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "catchweight" is acting as adj, adv, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bantamweight" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "catchweight", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A weight category other than the standard weight categories: either an agreed-upon weight range or an agreement to allow any weight. countable, uncountable
"There was an especially good entry, thirty-nine horses, representing twenty-two regiments, being entered in the Light Weight race, which was for horses five years old and upwards, the property of oflicers on full or half pay of the Regular Army, that had not won a race under the recognised rules of steeplechasing in any country, point-to-point races excepted; while eighteen faced the starter in the Welter race, in which the conditions were the same, excepting that the catchweight was 13 st. 7 lb."
- 2 The weight of an item that is not set to a standard, but which varies around an approximate value. countable, uncountable
"Catchweights over 300 pounds would be about the correctest figure to give for ladies of the royal family ; and the women-folk generally are big-faced and big-bodied, though not especially large-limbed."
- 3 The weight of all the fish caught. countable, uncountable
"At the end of two hours, the first seventeen anglers up the line from me had taken a total of only three legal fish, which suggested I wasn't ... Carr told me the quantitative specialist wins an occasional match with the biggest total catchweight."
Adjective
- 1 Without any weight restrictions; having no handicap. not-comparable
"There were also races for gentlemen-riders, in whch all the best performers of the day took part. Lord Glamis, afterwards Earl of Strathmore, rode his maiden race there—a catchweight match with Sir Watkin Wynn, a rare bit of fun got up by the officers of the 1st Life Guards."
- 2 Having no standard weight, but rather having weight determined when packaged for sale or shipping. not-comparable
"It is regular practice to furnish wire in catchweight coils."
Adverb
- 1 Without any weight restrictions; without being handicapped. not-comparable
"They'll break from the gate in full tack with jockeys riding catchweight in silks."
Example
"They'll break from the gate in full tack with jockeys riding catchweight in silks."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "catchweight"?
Common synonyms include: bantamweight, featherweight, flyweight, heavyweight, lightweight, middleweight.
How do you use "catchweight" in a sentence?
They'll break from the gate in full tack with jockeys riding catchweight in silks.