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

Like when a weightlifter staggered under a puny-looking barbell, then dropped it, tripped over it and landed face first.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● Aug. 10, 2026

The stock balance they favor now is a barbell with quality growth on one side and direct AI plays and low volatility on the other.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 24, 2026

“It’s just—” He shakes his head, then shoves the barbell into the air and begins his reps.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

"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

But since mice cannot use barbells, the scientists had them run on weighted running wheels, which were designed to provide leg-muscle resistance training.

From New York Times ● Jan. 5, 2022

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

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