weightlifting

American  

[weyt-lif-ting] / ˈweɪtˌlɪf tɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, art, or sport of lifting barbells of given poundages in a prescribed manner, as a competitive event or conditioning exercise.

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weightlifting British  

/ ˈweɪtˌlɪftɪŋ /

noun

1. the sport of lifting barbells of specified weights in a prescribed manner for competition or exercise

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• weightlifter
  noun

Etymology

Origin of weightlifting

First recorded in 1895–1900; weight + lift ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Explanation

The sport in which athletes compete to see who can hold the heaviest barbells is called weightlifting. To participate in weightlifting, you need a lot of upper-body strength. In the Olympics, weightlifting is an event in which competitors heft enormous, heavy barbells up over their heads and attempt to hold them there. These barbells are stacked with weighted plates and can be as heavy as 250 pounds. Weightlifting requires powerful arm, back, and shoulder muscles, whether it's done competitively in the Olympics or as part of strength training for other sports.

Example Sentences

It calls for at least 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, plus at least two sessions of strengthening exercises such as weightlifting.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

McKechnie also worked with Bryant, supporting the late superstar's gruelling regime which devoted six hours each day to precise weightlifting, cardio and skills sessions.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

“Surely, Coach, you can find a better punishment? An hour of weightlifting or 10 loops running around the stadium … Come on.”

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

Fields competed in a weightlifting competition last weekend.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

We steer clear of archery and weightlifting though, wanting to save those for our private sessions.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins