weigh-in: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Specific (Predominantly Sports/Organisational)
Quick answer
What does “weigh-in” mean?
The formal act of determining a person's (or animal's) weight, typically in a competitive context to verify they meet a required limit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The formal act of determining a person's (or animal's) weight, typically in a competitive context to verify they meet a required limit.
Any formal registration or checking process where a person's presence, opinion, or status is officially recorded, often with an element of scrutiny. Can refer to the process of expressing an opinion or submitting an assessment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The term is identical in use and spelling. The concept is central to sports like boxing, horse racing, and weightlifting in both cultures.
Connotations
Identical connotations of formality, official verification, and sometimes tension (e.g., a boxer struggling to make weight).
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK media due to higher profile of sports like horse racing and professional boxing. In the US, common in combat sports (MMA, boxing) and horse racing.
Grammar
How to Use “weigh-in” in a Sentence
[subject] holds/conducts a weigh-in for [object][subject] attends/passes/fails the weigh-in[subject] weighs in at [measurement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “weigh-in” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The jockey must weigh in before the race.
- She weighed in with a crucial point during the debate.
American English
- All fighters are required to weigh in tomorrow.
- The senator weighed in on the controversy via Twitter.
adverb
British English
- This phrase is not typically used as an adverb.
American English
- This phrase is not typically used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The weigh-in procedure is strictly monitored.
- He missed the weigh-in deadline.
American English
- The weigh-in results were posted online.
- There was a tense weigh-in atmosphere.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically for offering a formal opinion, e.g., 'The CFO will weigh in on the budget projections during the meeting.'
Academic
Rarely used in a literal sense. May appear in sports science literature.
Everyday
Mostly used in discussions about sports, dieting, or competitions. 'I have my weekly weigh-in at the slimming club.'
Technical
Specific to sports regulations, veterinary checks, or logistics (e.g., aircraft weight verification).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “weigh-in”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “weigh-in”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “weigh-in”
- Using 'weigh-in' as a verb without separating it (incorrect: 'He will weigh-in tomorrow.' correct: 'He will weigh in tomorrow.'). Confusing the noun (hyphenated) and verb (two words).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun, it is hyphenated ('weigh-in'). As a verb, it is two words ('weigh in').
Yes, primarily in two ways: 1) Literal, for any formal weight check (e.g., at a clinic). 2) Metaphorically, meaning to formally offer an opinion in a discussion.
'Weigh in' is the correct phrasal verb/noun. 'Weight in' is grammatically incorrect in this context; 'weight' is a noun, not a verb.
Yes, informally. The process of weighing aircraft, cargo, or luggage for balance and safety calculations can be referred to as a 'weigh-in', though technical terms like 'weight and balance check' are more precise.
The formal act of determining a person's (or animal's) weight, typically in a competitive context to verify they meet a required limit.
Weigh-in is usually formal, specific (predominantly sports/organisational) in register.
Weigh-in: in British English it is pronounced /ˈweɪ ɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈweɪ ɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “weigh in with (an opinion/advice)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BOXER standing on industrial SCALES **IN**side a ring of officials. The scene captures the 'formal checking' meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
OFFICIAL VERIFICATION IS WEIGHING; OFFERING AN OPINION IS ADDING WEIGHT TO A DISCUSSION.
Practice
Quiz
In a business meeting context, what does 'weigh in' typically mean?