weightlifting
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of weightlifting
First recorded in 1895–1900; weight + lift ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. )
Explanation
The sport in which athletes compete to see who can hold the heaviest barbells is called weightlifting. To participate in weightlifting, you need a lot of upper-body strength. In the Olympics, weightlifting is an event in which competitors heft enormous, heavy barbells up over their heads and attempt to hold them there. These barbells are stacked with weighted plates and can be as heavy as 250 pounds. Weightlifting requires powerful arm, back, and shoulder muscles, whether it's done competitively in the Olympics or as part of strength training for other sports.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The coaches rearranged racks to face each other directly, turning weightlifting sessions into heated internal competitions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026
The three-time NFL defensive player of the year remains a fitness maniac and has consistently posted clips of his weightlifting sessions to social media.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026
So strengthening your muscles, including through exercises such as weightlifting, helps to reduce the pressure placed on your joints.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026
The competition featured events in athletics, weightlifting and swimming, with Gkolomeev setting his time wearing a polyurethane suit, which is banned in official competitions.
From BBC ● May 25, 2026
We steer clear of archery and weightlifting though, wanting to save those for our private sessions.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
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