What does powerlifting mean?
Powerlifting is a strength sport centered on the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Competitors try to lift as much weight as possible while complying with rules governing equipment, technique, and the number of attempts. A typical competition total is based on each athlete's best successful lift in each discipline. Although the sport is often discussed alongside general weightlifting, powerlifting places particular emphasis on maximum strength rather than the explosive, technical lifting events of Olympic weightlifting. Training may involve periodized programs, progressive increases in resistance, and specialized preparation for the three competition lifts. The word is also used more broadly for training designed to develop maximal strength, making it distinct from both ordinary gym workouts and sports such as bodybuilding, which are judged on physique rather than lifted weight.
nounPowerlifting is a strength sport in which competitors lift the maximum possible weight in the squat, bench press, and deadlift. A competitor's total is usually calculated from the best successful lift in each of these three disciplines.
- The sport of lifting weights in the squat, bench press, and deadlift, usually with the aim of maximizing total lifted weight.
- The activity or training method of developing maximal strength through heavy compound lifts.
"She trains for powerlifting by focusing on the squat, bench press, and deadlift."
"The powerlifting federation announced a change to its equipment rules."
"His interest in powerlifting grew after he began training with a qualified coach."
The plural is uncommon; powerlifting is usually treated as an uncountable name for the sport or activity. It may appear in general or occasional references to multiple events or instances.
"The article compares powerliftings held in several countries."
Powerlifting turns three everyday movements—the squat, bench press, and deadlift—into a contest of maximum strength.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does powerlifting come from?
The word is a modern English compound of power and lifting. Power comes through Old French from Latin potentia, meaning ability or strength, and is related to words such as potent, potential, and potency. Lifting is derived from lift, a Germanic English word meaning to raise or move something upward. The compound became established in the language of modern strength training and organized sport.
Related word forms
How powerlifting is actually used
The term is most common in organized strength sport and weight-training contexts. In British usage, weightlifting may be used more broadly, whereas powerlifting generally refers specifically to the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
Easily confused with powerlifting
Powerlifting emphasizes maximal strength in the squat, bench press, and deadlift, while Olympic weightlifting emphasizes the snatch and clean and jerk.