dumbbell

noun

dumb·​bell ˈdəm-ˌbel 

1

: a short bar with weights at each end that is used usually in pairs for exercise

2

: a stupid person : dummy

Synonyms of dumbbell

• moron
• idiot
• dummy
• stupid
• noodle
• loser
• mutt
• prat
• hammerhead
• meathead
• jerk
• turkey
• donkey
• dip

Examples of dumbbell in a Sentence

I feel like a dumbbell for making such a stupid mistake.

no, you're not a dumbbell—this is one of the hardest courses the school offers

Recent Examples on the Web

Use light dumbbells, resistance bands, or your body weight and perform 8-12 reps for each of major muscle group. — Sherri Gordon, Health, 20 July 2026

However, guests can participate in daily morning exercise with lightweight Meiji-era cedarwood dumbbells. — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026

Extend your arms straight out so that the dumbbells (or your fists) are aligned over your chest. — Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 7 July 2026

Holding a dumbbell in the opposite hand of your stabilizing leg, hinge at your hips until your back is parallel with the floor while extending the opposite leg behind you. — Dana Santas, CNN Money, 7 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dumbbell

• barbell
• bedwell
• befell
• bluebell
• bombshell
• bridewell
• capelle
• cartel
• carvel
• clamshell
• cogswell
• compel

Kids Definition

dumbbell

noun

dumb·​bell ˈdəm-ˌbel 

1

: a bar with weights at the ends that is usually used for exercise or building strength

2

: a stupid person : dummy entry 1