Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 barbell /(bär"bĕl`)/ · bar·bell · IPA /ˈbɑɹˌbɛl/ 01 n. A bar to which heavy discs are attached at each end; -- it is used for weightlifting exercises. 1. A bar to which heavy discs are attached at each end; -- it is used for weightlifting exercises.