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
Anne Llamada Estonillo Examples of barbell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Slowly lower the barbell back down to the floor with control, keeping it close to the body and bending your knees as needed.
—Saralyn Ward, Health, 15 May 2026
He's moved away from heavy barbell squats, which were rough on his lower back, in favor of single-leg work and weight machines.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 15 May 2026
Precisely which features make for the best barbell is still a puzzle.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
That includes calisthenics, working with resistance bands, bodyweight exercises like squats and lunges, jumping rope, and of course lifting dumbbells, kettlebells, or barbells heavy enough to challenge you.
—Holly Carter, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for barbell
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.
Saralyn Ward, Health, 15 May 2026
He's moved away from heavy barbell squats, which were rough on his lower back, in favor of single-leg work and weight machines.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 15 May 2026
Precisely which features make for the best barbell is still a puzzle.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
That includes calisthenics, working with resistance bands, bodyweight exercises like squats and lunges, jumping rope, and of course lifting dumbbells, kettlebells, or barbells heavy enough to challenge you.
—Holly Carter, PEOPLE, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for barbell
Cite this Entry
“Barbell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbell. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
