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. )

Example Sentences

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

“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

People in Prestwich told the BBC Al-Shamie was a weightlifting enthusiast who rarely spoke to his neighbours.

From BBC • Oct. 3, 2025

Active Clubs embed their ideology within apolitical activities such as martial arts and weightlifting.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2025

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

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins