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

Hold a dumbbell with both hands, and raise it high over one shoulder with your arms straight and core tight. — Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Aug. 2026

But if dumbbells aren’t your preferred method of staying fit, a tennis court still carries floodlights of an intensity Los Angeles no longer allows for matches long after dusk. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Ever since Saved by the Bell bestowed upon Zack Morris a cellphone the size of a dumbbell, TV has been scrambling to keep up with young people’s tech habits. — Judy Berman, Time, 4 Aug. 2026

Holding a dumbbell in the same hand of the foot that’s on the floor, pull your elbow back so the weight moves toward your ribs. — Jakob Roze, HEALTH, 3 Aug. 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