barbell

American  

[bahr-bel] / ˈbɑrˌbɛl /

noun

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

---

barbell British  

/ ˈbɑːˌbɛl /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of barbell

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

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

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

“People are looking for some of that barbell optionality in LatAm financials and commodities,” he says.

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Iko, a newcomer, started with a Micro Mini Cart that can hold barbell weights.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

According to Subramanian, U.S. asset owners have largely replaced active equity funds with a barbell of the S&P 500 — owned largely through index funds — and private equity.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 21, 2025

His father taught him how to work a punching bag and made him a barbell from two lead-filled coffee cans welded to a pipe.

From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand