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.

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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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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

During a typical session, he does supersets of barbell hip thrusts, planks and walking lunges with 30-pound dumbbells.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 16, 2026

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

From Barron's • Feb. 12, 2026

Over the past three days, she has posted a video of herself doing squats while lifting a barbell and found time to respond to her doubters on social media.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 7, 2026

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

Golly rolls his eyes as he adds a forty-five-pound plate to each end of the barbell.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone