bodybuilding

noun

body·​build·​ing ˈbä-dē-ˌbil-diŋ How to pronounce bodybuilding (audio)
: the developing of the body through exercise and diet
specifically : the developing of the physique for competitive exhibition
bodybuilder noun

Examples of bodybuilding in a Sentence

She's been doing competitive bodybuilding for a few years now.
Recent Examples on the Web Amy has also competed in bodybuilding competitions over the years. Francesca Gariano, Peoplemag, 13 Mar. 2024 Jackie is at the gym to prepare for a bodybuilding competition, but she’s drawn into a sordid plot involving Lou’s estranged family, a web of ghastly and sometimes homicidal misfits. David Sims, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024 Right on cue, a bodybuilding drifter named Jackie (Katy O’Brian) barges into Lou’s life. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Supplements can be dangerous for teens Teens may also embrace fads like fasting, juice or tea cleanses and supplements, which are especially used for bodybuilding and weight loss. Rochelle Koff, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 But the 87-year-old bodybuilding grandmother wasn’t about to let a little cold weather or the absence of marching bands spoil her celebration. Mary Carole McCauley, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2024 But a gym membership was her gateway to a passion for bodybuilding and a personal trainer certification. Nasha Smith, Peoplemag, 17 Dec. 2023 In his most recent video, Tennyson travels to Gold's Gym in Venice for a workout with bodybuilding legend Phil Heath, who won the Mr. Olympia title seven consecutive years from 2011 to 2017. Philip Ellis, Men's Health, 5 Sep. 2023 Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brian get caught up in a web of bodybuilding and vengeance in the new trailer for Rose Glass’ Love Lies Bleeding, set to arrive next year. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'bodybuilding.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bodybuilding was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near bodybuilding

Cite this Entry

“Bodybuilding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bodybuilding. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

bodybuilding

noun
body·​build·​ing ˈbäd-ē-ˌbil-diŋ How to pronounce bodybuilding (audio)
: the developing of the body through exercise and diet
bodybuilder
-ˌbil-dər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bodybuilding

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