weigh

1 of 2

verb

ˈwā 

weighed; weighing; weighs

transitive verb

1

: to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance

2

a

: outweigh

b

: counterbalance

c

: to make heavy : weight

—often used with down

3

: to consider carefully especially by balancing opposing factors or aspects in order to reach a choice or conclusion : evaluate

weighing her options

4

: to heave up (an anchor) preparatory to sailing

5

: to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scales

intransitive verb

1

a

: to have a certain heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity

b

: to register a weight (as on a scales)

—used with in or out compare weigh in

2

: to merit consideration as important : count

evidence will weigh heavily against him

3

a

: to press down with or as if with a heavy weight

b

: to have a saddening or disheartening effect

guilt weighed on my mind

4

: to weigh anchor

weighable

ˈwā-ə-bəl 

adjective

weigher noun

weigh

2 of 2

noun

: way

—used in the phrase under weigh

Synonyms

Verb

• count
• import
• matter
• mean
• signify

Choose the Right Synonym for weigh

consider, study, contemplate, weigh mean to think about in order to arrive at a judgment or decision.

consider may suggest giving thought to in order to reach a suitable conclusion, opinion, or decision.

refused even to consider my proposal

study implies sustained purposeful concentration and attention to details and minutiae.

study the plan closely

contemplate stresses focusing one's thoughts on something but does not imply coming to a conclusion or decision.

contemplate the consequences of refusing

weigh implies attempting to reach the truth or arrive at a decision by balancing conflicting claims or evidence.

weigh the pros and cons of the case

Examples of weigh in a Sentence

Verb

She weighs herself every morning.

He used a scale to weigh the bananas.

The bananas weigh more than the apples.

How much do you weigh?

You will need to weigh the pros and cons.

He took time to weigh his options.

Her previous experience weighs in her favor.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The judge weighed several factors in determining whether to send Syed back to prison as required under the Juvenile Restoration Act. —Lauren Del Valle, CNN, 6 Mar. 2025

As always, weigh the cost-benefit analysis of the shortcut. —Jennifer C. Wolfe, Esq., Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025

Carollo’s younger brother, Frank Carollo, has been weighing a run to succeed Carollo in District 3. —Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2025

Additionally, states are weighing issues such as adherence concerns, potential side effects, and the need for additional legislative action before expanding coverage. —Andrea Barton Reeves, Hartford Courant, 5 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English weyen, from Old English wegan to move, carry, weigh — more at way

Noun

alteration of way

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

1777, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing weigh

• prey/weigh on someone's mind
• under weigh
• weigh anchor
• weigh a ton
• weigh down
• weigh in
• weigh on
• weigh one's words
• weigh out
• weigh up

Rhymes for weigh

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

Kids Definition

weigh

verb

ˈwā

1

a

: to find the heaviness of

weighed the bag of onions on a scale

b

: to have weight or a certain weight

he weighs 200 pounds

2

a

: to consider carefully : ponder

weigh your chances of winning

b

: to be important : count

the evidence will weigh heavily against him

3

: to raise before sailing

weigh anchor

4

: to measure on or as if on a scale

weigh out several pounds of rice

5

: to press down with or as if with a weight

her worries weigh heavily on her

weigher noun

Medical Definition

weigh

transitive verb

ˈwā 

1

: to ascertain the heaviness of by or as if by a balance

2

: to measure or apportion (a definite quantity) on or as if on a scale

intransitive verb

: to have a certain amount of heaviness : experience a specific force due to gravity