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

Weightlifting will include the snatch and the clean & jerk.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2025

Armenia rejected that criticism, saying the incident had been resolved quickly and without any danger to competitors at the European Weightlifting Championships.

From Reuters • Apr. 15, 2023

He added: "Weightlifting is a huge part of my life, alongside my children and grandchildren. I'll keep carrying on for as along as the body allows."

From BBC • Mar. 29, 2023

But it was all Yousef A Al-mana, president of the Qatar Weightlifting Federation, could do to keep a straight face when questioned by reporters in a hallway outside the press room.

From Washington Times • Dec. 1, 2022

Jalood is a longtime IWF official who held the post of general secretary until Saturday and worked closely with Al-Mana at the Asian Weightlifting Federation.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 25, 2022