What does weightlifter mean?
A weightlifter is a person who lifts heavy weights, most commonly as an athlete or serious strength-training competitor. In competitive contexts, the word usually refers to an Olympic-style weightlifter who performs the snatch and the clean and jerk, although it can also be used broadly for anyone known for lifting weights. The term may also identify workers whose duties involve moving heavy objects. In everyday conversation, “weightlifter” evokes strength, discipline, and physical training, while the more specific “powerlifter” refers to an athlete competing in powerlifting events such as the snatch, clean and jerk, and deadlift. Both terms describe athletes, but they belong to related yet distinct sporting traditions. The word is standard in British and American English and is commonly used in sports reporting, training contexts, and discussions of strength sports.
nounA person who lifts heavy weights, especially as a competitor in weightlifting. The term can also refer more broadly to someone whose work involves lifting heavy loads.
- An athlete who competes in weightlifting or lifts heavy weights for strength training.
- A person who is employed to lift or move heavy objects.
"The weightlifter adjusted his grip before attempting the snatch."
"She became a competitive weightlifter after beginning strength training in college."
"The weightlifter moved heavy crates from the loading area to the truck."
The standard plural is formed by adding -s.
"The world’s best weightlifters compete at the championship."
Olympic weightlifters compete in two lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does weightlifter come from?
“Weightlifter” is a modern English compound formed from “weight” and “lifter,” an agent noun derived from “lift.” “Weight” descends from Old English “wiht,” with relatives in languages such as German “Gewicht” and Dutch “gewicht,” while “lift” comes from Old English “lyft.” The compound became established as a name for an athlete or person engaged in lifting heavy weights.
Related word forms
How weightlifter is actually used
In ordinary usage, “weightlifter” most often refers to a competitor in weightlifting. In a workplace context, it can describe someone whose job involves repeatedly lifting heavy loads.
Easily confused with weightlifter
A weightlifter may compete in Olympic-style weightlifting, whereas a powerlifter specifically competes in the snatch, clean and jerk, and related powerlifting events.