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

At one end of the barbell, size will remain an advantage, enabling the next generation of experiences, AI enhancements, and operational leverage. —Michael Abbott, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Similar to dumbbells and barbells, sandbags undergo heavy stress. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 24 June 2025

The protocol is pretty safe for barbell newbies, too. —Megan Falk, SELF, 29 July 2025

Before Brick can crush the two women with a barbell, however, Lil shows up demanding to know what’s going on. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 26 June 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