barbell

[ bahr-bel ]

noun

1. an apparatus used in weight-lifting, consisting of a bar with replaceable, disk-shaped weights fastened to the ends.

barbell

/ ˈbɑːˌbɛl /

noun

1. a metal rod to which heavy discs are attached at each end for weightlifting exercises

Word History and Origins

Origin of barbell¹

First recorded in 1885–90; bar ¹ + bell ¹

Example Sentences

Cedars-Sinai’s Gulati notes the many different forms of strength training beyond the stereotypical image of iron dumbbells or a hulking barbell.

From Los Angeles Times

Five years after picking up a barbell for the first time, Campbell became the first British woman to win an Olympic weightlifting medal with silver in Tokyo and is heavily fancied to go one better.

From BBC

Ashley Kitchens of the PlantBuilt team of vegan athletes, left, lifts a barbell during a strength competition.

From Salon

It typically operates what is known in the credit card industry as a “barbell” business model — it issues credit cards to those with less-than-great credit as well as with super high credit, and little in between.

From Seattle Times

A weightlifter may have been dead for two days before he was found with a 60kg barbell across his neck, an inquest has heard.

From BBC