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

Build these into your routine and do them with your bodyweight, dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells or bands. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Mar. 2026

This barbell club is one of the largest in the state of North Carolina. —Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, Charlotte Observer, 17 Mar. 2026

Squatting is a compound weight-lifting exercise that uses equipment such as barbells or dumbbells to help build muscle and strength. —Laura Schober, Health, 16 Mar. 2026

While investors can build ladders of varying maturities, Howard thinks a barbell strategy — with short duration on one end and long duration on the other — is attractive right now. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026

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