barbell

noun

bar·​bell ˈbär-ˌbel 

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

The protocol is pretty safe for barbell newbies, too. —Megan Falk, SELF, 29 July 2025

Before Brick can crush the two women with a barbell, however, Lil shows up demanding to know what’s going on. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 26 June 2025

Bent-over row: Hold a barbell in your hands, ensuring palms are facing forward. —Laura Schober, Health, 13 May 2025

Meanwhile, BlackRock’s Jay Jacobs sees a barbell approach as a valuable second-half strategy as a hedge against economic slowdown risks. —Siena Griffin, CNBC, 9 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for barbell

• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel
• dispel

Kids Definition

barbell

noun

bar·​bell ˈbär-ˌbel 

: a bar with adjustable weighted disks attached to each end that is used for exercise and in weight lifting