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

When home video fell from its peak in the mid 2000s — more than $15 billion per year — the mid-budget drama or comedy or romcom lost its justification to exist, and everything since then moves movies to one of two ends of a budget barbell. — Daren Smith, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026

That force can come from free weights, like dumbbells or barbells, machines, resistance bands, or gravity via your own bodyweight. — Jenessa Connor, HEALTH, 17 Aug. 2026

The result could be the same barbell visible in asset management. — Roman Pedan, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

Still, Norton maintains a barbell strategy, holding both short- and long-dated bonds. — Michelle Fox, CNBC, 15 July 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