powerlifting

American  

[pou-er-lif-ting] / ˈpaʊ ərˌlɪf tɪŋ /

noun

1. a competition or sport involving three tests of strength: the bench press, squat, and two-handed dead lift.

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powerlifting British  

/ ˈpaʊəˌlɪftɪŋ /

noun

1. a form of weightlifting in which contestants compete in the dead lift, squat, and bench press

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Other Word Forms

• powerlifter noun

Etymology

Origin of powerlifting

First recorded in 1955–60; power ( def. ) + lift ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. ); modeled on weightlifting ( def. )

Example Sentences

Still, Cillo made an immediate impact in the Lycoming weight room, where his powerlifting strength stunned his new teammates.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

In 2020, inside the clang-and-clatter of Neshoba Central High’s powerlifting gym, Jarquez Hunter’s coach laid down a dare: squat 645 pounds on three counts.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2025

When Crandall tore his meniscus in the lead-up to a recent powerlifting competition, he said people online blamed it on his veganism.

From Salon • Jul. 15, 2024

So Sam turned to a crowdfunding website in March 2023 and, in part due to support from the powerlifting community, their target was reached in just five weeks and she had surgery that September.

From BBC • Jun. 20, 2024

Lee Thomas, 54, an RAF Veteran from Tenby, will be competing for the first time in athletics, sitting volleyball, powerlifting and wheelchair rugby.

From BBC • Sep. 9, 2023