barbell

/ˌbɑrˈbɛl/

/ˈbɑbɛl/

Other forms: barbells

The long pole with weights on each end that a weightlifter or bodybuilder lifts at a gym is called a barbell. If you're new to lifting weights, your barbell may only hold a few pounds.

Olympic weight lifters or power lifters may heft barbells with very long bars and extremely heavy weights, while general fitness seekers lift shorter, lighter barbells. Before the word barbell first emerged in the 19th century, there was the word dumbbell, "weighted bar used for exercise," from which the bell ending was borrowed for barbell.

Definitions of barbell

1. noun

   a bar to which heavy discs are attached at each end; used in weightlifting
   type of:

   exercising weight, free weight, weight

   sports equipment used in calisthenic exercises and weightlifting; it is not attached to anything and is raised and lowered by use of the hands and arms