Weightlifting is the sport or activity of lifting heavy weights to build strength and muscle. A weightlifter might lift barbells loaded with iron plates, use dumbbells for arm exercises, or work with specialized equipment in a gym. The basic idea is simple: when you challenge your muscles by lifting something heavy, they grow stronger to handle that load next time.

Competitive weightlifting is an Olympic sport where athletes attempt to lift as much weight as possible in specific lifts. The two main Olympic lifts are the snatch (lifting the barbell from the ground to overhead in one swift motion) and the clean and jerk (lifting it to your shoulders, then thrusting it overhead). These require strength, technique, speed, and timing working together.

Many people lift weights regularly for fitness, not competition. A basketball player might do weightlifting to jump higher and play more powerfully. Someone recovering from an injury might lift lighter weights to rebuild strength gradually.

The word weightlifting typically refers to using actual weights, while strength training is a broader term that includes any exercise building muscle and power.