dumbbell

noun

dumb·​bell ˈdəm-ˌbel How to pronounce dumbbell (audio)
Synonyms of dumbbellnext
1
: a short bar with weights at each end that is used usually in pairs for exercise
2
: a stupid person : dummy

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
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.
Adding weight doesn’t have to mean jumping straight to dumbbells or other free weights. Dana Santas, CNN Money, 5 Dec. 2025 And while most any form of movement is beneficial, there’s one underrated type that doesn’t involve busting your ass on a stationary bike, holding complicated yoga poses, or heaving dumbbells around. Jenny McCoy, SELF, 3 Dec. 2025 In the clip, Seacrest began doing squats with a large dumbbell before using his core to help balance while doing crunches on a bench with a weight. Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025 Pause for a second, then slowly lower the dumbbells. Jenessa Connor, Health, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dumbbell

Word History

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dumbbell was in 1775

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Cite this Entry

“Dumbbell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dumbbell. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

dumbbell

noun
dumb·​bell ˈdəm-ˌbel How to pronounce dumbbell (audio)
1
: a bar with weights at the ends that is usually used for exercise or building strength
2
: a stupid person : dummy entry 1

More from Merriam-Webster on dumbbell

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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