Meaning & Definition of word "Paperweight"
Paperweight
/ˈpeɪpərˌweɪt/
noun:
- 1. A small, heavy object used to hold down papers and prevent them from blowing away.
- Example: She placed a decorative glass paperweight on her desk to keep the papers in place.
- 2. An object that serves as a paperweight, often designed to be decorative.
- Example: The artisan crafted a beautiful paperweight shaped like a flower.
- 3. Figuratively, a person or thing that is of little or no use in a particular situation.
- Example: 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 of paperweight
Meaning: A person who is ineffective in a group setting.
● Example Sentence: In the project meetings, Tom was just a paperweight, not contributing anything.
Meaning: An idle object with little function.
● Example Sentence: That old trophy just sits there as a paperweight now, gathering dust.