overweight

[oh-ver-weyt, oh-ver-weyt, oh-ver-weyt]

adjective

1. weighing too much or more than is considered normal, proper, etc..

   overweight luggage; an overweight patient; two letters that may be overweight.

noun

1. extra or excess weight above what law or regulation allows, as of baggage or freight.

   The overweight will cost us $12.

2. weight in excess of that considered normal, proper, healthful, etc..

   Overweight in a child should not be neglected.

3. greater effect or importance; preponderance.

verb (used with object)

1. to weight excessively; exceed the weight limit of.

2. to give too much consideration or emphasis to; stress unduly.

overweight

adjective

1. weighing more than is usual, allowed, or healthy

2. finance

   1. having a higher proportion of one's investments in a particular sector of the market than the size of that sector relative to the total market would suggest: portfolio managers are currently overweight in bonds

   2. (of a fund etc) invested disproportionately in this way

noun

1. extra or excess weight

2. archaic,  greater importance or effect

verb

1. to give too much emphasis or consideration to

2. to add too much weight to

3. to weigh down

Word History and Origins

Origin of overweight¹

First recorded in 1545–55; over- + weight

Example Sentences

In one case, he told a defendant who was overweight and having trouble paying fines that he did not appear to be starving.

From Los Angeles Times

They sought contestants who were overweight and unhappy.

From Salon

"I just wanted to cry and I feel like I actually disliked my body more than when I was overweight."

From BBC

The Next advert ban left BBC readers asking why adverts showing models who appear unhealthily overweight are not banned.

From BBC

Experts say other risks include being overweight, having a history of blood clots, and having jobs that require patients to be on their feet for long durations.

From BBC

Related Words

• corpulent 
• obese 
• pudgy