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

Rows with a barbell—corrects posture, strengthens the back, and prevents kyphosis (dowager’s hump). —Violeta Valdés, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2025

On the ground, place the kettlebell between your feet or the barbell over your midfoot. —Jakob Roze, Health, 18 Aug. 2025

Momoa’s massive physique is always an element of his screen presence, but with no bench press or barbells around, would swimming and rowing and hunting make for a man this swole? —Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2025

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