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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The protocol is pretty safe for barbell newbies, too. Megan Falk, SELF, 29 July 2025 Those putting together a home gym will appreciate that body weight exercises don’t require you to purchase a variety of dumbbells and barbells in various weights, which is costly and demands a lot of storage space. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 July 2025 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 11 Sep. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on barbell

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