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

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

See Examples For:

barbell barbells

The other half of the barbell are bets on low volatility companies — a substitute for long-duration bonds, given earnings are a “natural hedge to sticky inflation,” they say.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 21, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Feb. 12, 2026

Renna said that he and Muggia were following “a barbell strategy,” with mature companies in the pharmaceutical, life-science tools, medical-technology and biotech spaces on one side.

From MarketWatch ● Dec. 11, 2025

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

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 20, 2025

His arms felt rubbery, like he’d been holding a barbell straight out in front of him.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan

"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

Brandon Blackwell sits in his apartment in the Jamaica section of Queens, training with a collection of 30,000 homemade flash cards the way weight lifters train with barbells.

From New York Times ● Apr. 7, 2024

If you want to do bench presses, dead lifts and curls but don’t have space or the budget for barbells, consider using exercise bands, like the ones physical therapists often use.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 2, 2024

Tariq liked to wear pleated trousers, black shiny loafers, and short-sleeve shirts that showed off his newly muscular arms— compliments of an old, rusty set of barbells that he lifted daily in his yard.

From "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini