bodybuilding

noun

body·​build·​ing ˈbä-dē-ˌbil-diŋ How to pronounce bodybuilding (audio)
: the developing of the body through exercise and diet
specifically : the developing of the physique for competitive exhibition
bodybuilder noun

Examples of bodybuilding in a Sentence

She's been doing competitive bodybuilding for a few years now.
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.
The Miami International Fitness Expo, at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Expo Center, will have bodybuilding competitions, Jiu Jitsu fights, weightlifting, boxing and more. Martin Vassolo, Axios, 22 May 2025 Those who hope to win bodybuilding competitions will undoubtedly—and wisely—keep lifting to failure. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 19 May 2025 An unexpected friendship develops between two young men from vastly different backgrounds who have set their sights on winning a local bodybuilding competition. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 13 May 2025 Others who influence the manosphere range from fitness content creators people follow for bodybuilding advice that share misogynistic comments to influencers who focus on traditional gender roles. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bodybuilding

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bodybuilding was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Bodybuilding.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bodybuilding. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

bodybuilding

noun
body·​build·​ing ˈbäd-ē-ˌbil-diŋ How to pronounce bodybuilding (audio)
: the developing of the body through exercise and diet
bodybuilder
-ˌbil-dər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bodybuilding

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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