heavy lifting

noun

: a burdensome or laborious duty

Examples of heavy lifting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the Longhorns’ lone scoring drive, Manning performs competently, but running back Quintrevion Wisner does the heavy lifting with a 37-yard run. Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Oct. 2025 The legs that saved UCLA against the Nittany Lions last week could rest easy this time, with Iamaleava’s running backs doing the heavy lifting. Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 While many brands have done the heavy lifting to create a skirt-pants hybrid—skants? Aemilia Madden, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025 AirEssentials Cap-sleeve Cinched Jumpsuit When space is tight in your suitcase, a one-piece wonder like this jumpsuit does the heavy lifting. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heavy lifting

Word History

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of heavy lifting was in 1980

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heavy lifting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heavy%20lifting. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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