bodybuilding

noun

body·​build·​ing ˈbä-dē-ˌbil-diŋ 

: the developing of the body through exercise and diet

specifically : the developing of the physique for competitive exhibition

bodybuilder

ˈbä-dē-ˌbil-dər 

noun

Examples of bodybuilding in a Sentence

She's been doing competitive bodybuilding for a few years now.

Recent Examples on the Web

In May 2019, at the Arnold Classic Africa bodybuilding event in Johannesburg, South Africa, The Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, was the victim of a surprise flying kick. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 17 July 2026

Per local outlet g1, Santos was well known in the local bodybuilding community and was preparing for a championship competition on July 15 at the time of his death. — Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026

Examples include pre-workout supplements and bodybuilding supplements. — Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 2 July 2026

The recent obsession with protein isn’t fueled by bodybuilding or even a diet fad, but rather by the increasing use of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, which can suppress appetite and require users to pivot to nutrient-dense foods, such as those high in protein, to avoid muscle loss. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bodybuilding

• boatbuilding
• outbuilding
• rebuilding
• roadbuilding
• shipbuilding
• upbuilding
• building
• gilding

Kids Definition

bodybuilding

noun

body·​build·​ing ˈbäd-ē-ˌbil-diŋ 

: the developing of the body through exercise and diet

bodybuilder

-ˌbil-dər

noun