Word
bodyweight
Phoneticsbody·weight
/ˈbɑdiˌweɪt/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the amount that a person or animal weighs. You often use this word when talking about exercise or health.
n. the total mass of a person's or animal's body. Frequently used in fitness contexts to describe exercises that use the person's own mass for resistance.
Examples
“He lost ten percent of his bodyweight in three months.”
“The trainer recommended bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats for the beginner's home workout routine.”
“Maintaining a healthy bodyweight is a primary factor in reducing the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and other metabolic disorders.”
Examples
simple
“He lost ten percent of his bodyweight in three months.”
contextual
“The trainer recommended bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats for the beginner's home workout routine.”
complex
“Maintaining a healthy bodyweight is a primary factor in reducing the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease and other metabolic disorders.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “bodyweight” in context.
Verb
01. bodyweight fluctuates
“It is normal for your bodyweight to fluctuate slightly throughout the week.”
noun + verb
02. bodyweight increases
“As bodyweight increases, the heart has to work harder to pump blood.”
noun + verb
03. maintain bodyweight
“It is important to maintain a healthy bodyweight through regular exercise.”
verb + noun
04. shift bodyweight
“You need to shift your bodyweight onto your front foot to maintain balance.”
verb + noun
05. support bodyweight
“Use your arms to support your bodyweight as you lower yourself into the chair.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. excess bodyweight
“Carrying excess bodyweight can put significant strain on your knee joints.”
adj + noun
07. ideal bodyweight
“The doctor helped him calculate his ideal bodyweight based on his height and age.”
adj + noun
08. total bodyweight
“The athlete can now lift more than double his total bodyweight.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. percentage of bodyweight
“The supplement dosage is calculated as a percentage of total bodyweight.”
noun + prep + noun
10. distribute bodyweight evenly
“Make sure to distribute your bodyweight evenly across both feet while standing.”
11. lose excess bodyweight
“The patient was advised to lose excess bodyweight to improve his blood pressure.”
12. perform bodyweight exercises
“You can build significant strength by performing simple bodyweight exercises like push-ups.”
Usage
Often functions as a compound noun; in fitness contexts, it frequently acts as a modifier before another noun.
Real-World Examples
“The average American already eats one gram of protein per kilogram of bodyweight, according to Johns Hopkins University, more than the 0.8 grams per kilogram recommended by many experts.” “Experts say bodyweight exercises can go a long way and are a great way to get started if you don't feel like going to the gym.” “A 2025 meta-analysis of 102 studies in 4,754 older adults (aged 70 on average) found bodyweight training led to substantial strength gains - which were no different from those with free weights or machines.” “Rybakou won the silver with a total of 394kg, missing the gold because of his heavier bodyweight.” Etymology
From body + weight, first recorded as a compound in the late 19th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/bodyweight