Paperweight

/ˈpeɪpərˌweɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A small, heavy object used to hold down papers and prevent them from blowing away.
She placed a decorative glass paperweight on her desk to keep the papers in place.
An object that serves as a paperweight, often designed to be decorative.
The artisan crafted a beautiful paperweight shaped like a flower.
Figuratively, a person or thing that is of little or no use in a particular situation.
Despite his title, he was just a paperweight in the company's hierarchy, lacking any real power.

Etymology

From the combination of 'paper' and 'weight', referring to something that weighs down paper.

Common Phrases and Expressions

paperweight champion
A person who excels at doing very little.
heavyweight paperweight
Someone or something that is surprisingly ineffective.

Related Words

document
An official paper that provides information.
stationery
Writing materials, like paper and envelopes.
weight
A measure of heaviness.

Slang Meanings

A person who is ineffective in a group setting.
In the project meetings, Tom was just a paperweight, not contributing anything.
An idle object with little function.
That old trophy just sits there as a paperweight now, gathering dust.