barbell

American  

[bahr-bel] / ˈbɑrˌbɛl /

noun

• barbells
  plural

1. an apparatus used in weight-lifting, consisting of a bar with replaceable, disk-shaped weights fastened to the ends.

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barbell British  

/ ˈbɑːˌbɛl /

noun

1. a metal rod to which heavy discs are attached at each end for weightlifting exercises

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• barbells
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of barbell

First recorded in 1885–90; bar ¹ + bell ¹

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Explanation

The long pole with weights on each end that a weightlifter or bodybuilder lifts at a gym is called a barbell. If you're new to lifting weights, your barbell may only hold a few pounds. Olympic weight lifters or power lifters may heft barbells with very long bars and extremely heavy weights, while general fitness seekers lift shorter, lighter barbells. Before the word barbell first emerged in the 19th century, there was the word dumbbell, "weighted bar used for exercise," from which the bell ending was borrowed for barbell.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

barbell barbells

I didn’t feel any affinity with the humanoid that smashed Bolt’s 100-meter record, but found the robot weightlifter that crumpled under a 15kg barbell and staggered into a table very relatable.

From Slate ● Sep. 27, 2026

You don’t need a gym membership or a heavy barbell, either.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 10, 2026

Its design shows the prison’s floor plan, while one panel depicts a man lifting a barbell labeled “Time” and another reads, “I didn’t do it, Guv!! Honest!”

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 2, 2026

They suggested a barbell of cyclicals, featuring strong earnings and compressed valuations, such as in financials, industrials and consumer-discretionary goods.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 13, 2026

He’s wearing a white tank top, and has a little barbell pierced through his eyebrow.

From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day

"Training all major muscle groups at least twice a week matters far more than chasing the idea of a 'perfect' or complex training plan. Whether it's barbells, bands, or bodyweight, consistency and effort drive results."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 19, 2026

They even incorporated alternative training equipment into his workouts, using water-bags and 3D straps as less taxing complements for barbells and heavy weights.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 2, 2025

I loved talking to my gym buddies about how amazing it was to have a full array of dumbbells, kettlebells and barbells again.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 10, 2022

Alongside lifting barbells, she's recently been able to get back into cycling, and has even booked a family ski trip for next year.

From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2021

There are two sets of barbells, a burlap sack of sand, a jump rope with red wooden handles, and a pear-shaped leather punching bag nailed to the closet ceiling.

From "Dreaming in Cuban" by Cristina García

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