noun
weightlifting
WAYT-lift-ing
Weightlifting (noun) means Exercise that involves lifting weights to build strength. Example: “She took up weightlifting to build strength after her injury.”
noun
1
Exercise that involves lifting weights to build strength.
"She took up weightlifting to build strength after her injury."
"Weightlifting three times a week improved his fitness."
"The gym has a separate room set aside for weightlifting."
2
A competitive sport in which athletes lift heavy weights in the snatch and the clean and jerk.
"She won a bronze medal in weightlifting at the championships."
"Weightlifting has been part of the Olympic programme for many years."
"His coach specialises in training weightlifting athletes."
How to use weightlifting
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWeightlifting means lifting weights, either as exercise or as a competitive sport.
When to use it
It is a neutral, everyday word used in both casual fitness talk and formal sporting contexts.
Memory tip
Remember weightlifting as a sport specifically means the snatch and the clean and jerk, not just any gym workout with weights.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
powerlifting
Common pairings
take up weightlifting
competitive weightlifting
weightlifting training
a weightlifting championship
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She took up _____ to build strength after her injury.
Etymology
Weightlifting is formed by joining the English words weight and lifting.
Synonyms
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weight training
weightlift
Related words
Rhymes for weightlifting
See all rhymes for weightlifting →Frequently asked questions
What does weightlifting mean?
It refers both to exercising with weights to build strength and to the competitive sport of lifting heavy weights.
What events are in weightlifting as a sport?
Competitive weightlifting involves two events, the snatch and the clean and jerk.
Is weightlifting the same as powerlifting?
No, they are different sports with different lifts, though both involve lifting heavy weights.
What is the meaning of weightlifting?
"weightlifting" (noun) means exercise that involves lifting weights to build strength.
