barbell

noun

bar·​bell ˈbär-ˌbel How to pronounce barbell (audio)
plural barbells
1
: a bar with adjustable weighted disks attached to each end that is used for exercise and in weight lifting
2
: something that resembles a barbell
especially : an ornament that consists of a small, thin metal rod with a ball or bead at each end and that is worn on the body as a piercing
Five years later, he has had eight ear piercings, a barbell on his lower lip and another silver barbell through his tongue. Anne Llamada Estonillo

Examples of barbell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Lower your torso and grip the barbell with your hands about shoulder-width apart. Jenessa Connor, Health, 10 June 2026 Strength, after all, is not measured by the number on a barbell. Paula Chesley, STAT, 3 June 2026 He's moved away from heavy barbell squats, which were rough on his lower back, in favor of single-leg work and weight machines. Angela Haupt, Time, 15 May 2026 Precisely which features make for the best barbell is still a puzzle. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for barbell

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of barbell was in 1873

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Cite this Entry

“Barbell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbell. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

barbell

noun
bar·​bell ˈbär-ˌbel How to pronounce barbell (audio)
: a bar with adjustable weighted disks attached to each end that is used for exercise and in weight lifting

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