Word
Definition
n. a long metal bar with heavy weights on each end that you lift to get stronger.
n. a long steel bar with weighted discs secured at each end, lifted with both hands for strength training. Distinguished from a dumbbell by length and two-handed use.
Examples
“He lifts the barbell over his head.”
“The coach loads two plates onto the barbell before her first squat set.”
“Progressive overload with the barbell remains the most reliable path to full-body strength, provided technique precedes load.”
Examples
simple
“He lifts the barbell over his head.”
contextual
“The coach loads two plates onto the barbell before her first squat set.”
complex
“Progressive overload with the barbell remains the most reliable path to full-body strength, provided technique precedes load.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “barbell” in context.
Verb
01. barbell clatters
“The barbell clatters loudly when it hits the platform.”
noun + verb
02. barbell slips
“The barbell slips easily if your grip is weak.”
noun + verb
03. grip barbell
“Grip the barbell firmly with both hands.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. empty barbell
“Beginners should practise the movement with an empty barbell.”
adj + noun
05. heavy barbell
“He struggled to lift the heavy barbell off the floor.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. barbell press
“The barbell press is excellent for chest development.”
noun + noun
07. barbell row
“He added the barbell row to strengthen his back.”
noun + noun
08. barbell squat
“The barbell squat builds strength in your legs and core.”
noun + noun
09. end of barbell
“Check that the plates are locked at each end of the barbell.”
noun + prep + noun
10. do a barbell squat
“Let's do a barbell squat to warm up your legs.”
11. drop the barbell safely
“If you lose balance, drop the barbell safely behind you.”
12. lift a heavy barbell
“She was proud to lift a heavy barbell for the first time.”
Real-World Examples
“Not to be all Russell Crowe about it, but this morning, I biked to the gym before dawn, loaded up a barbell and did three sets of five squats with the weight of a small washing machine on my back.” “Ann Buszard, 84, strapped on a thick leather belt before stepping up to the barbell she had loaded to 170 pounds.” Etymology
Blend of bar + dumbbell. The piercing is named after the exercise equipment, because of the visual resemblance.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/barbell
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0
‘외래어’ data: 한국어기초사전 (국립국어원), CC BY-SA 2.0 KR