weightlifting

American  

[weyt-lif-ting] / ˈweɪtˌlɪf tɪŋ /

noun

1. the act, art, or sport of lifting barbells of given poundages in a prescribed manner, as a competitive event or conditioning exercise.

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weightlifting British  

/ ˈweɪtˌlɪftɪŋ /

noun

1. the sport of lifting barbells of specified weights in a prescribed manner for competition or exercise

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Other Word Forms

• weightlifter noun

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

But in May, Las Vegas will host the first full-scale Enhanced Games, a four-day meet in swimming, track and field, and weightlifting.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

Mothers asked about the weightlifting program and advanced academic courses offered in the holdback year—called “grade 8.5” or “High School Prep” by the school.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

Peregudova was a candidate for the national Ukrainian weightlifting team and was preparing to take part in a European Championship.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

“Surely, Coach, you can find a better punishment? An hour of weightlifting or 10 loops running around the stadium … Come on.”

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

We steer clear of archery and weightlifting though, wanting to save those for our private sessions.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins