dumbbell

noun

dumb·bell | \ ˈdəm-ˌbel

How to pronounce dumbbell (audio)

\

Definition of dumbbell

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

2 : a stupid person : dummy

Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Learn More about dumbbell

Keep scrolling for more

Examples of dumbbell in a Sentence

I feel like a dumbbell for making such a stupid mistake. if we don't give him a shove, the poor dumbbell never will propose to her

Recent Examples on the Web

Aspiring sluggers spend half of each session clobbering the bags, the other half executing strength exercises using body weight, dumbbells and lighter brass knuckle weights ($36/class, $3 to rent gloves, rumble-boxing.com). — Ashley Mateo, WSJ, "Why Boxing Is the Best Workout of 2019," 16 Jan. 2019 Those smaller daily habits don’t necessarily include weights, Wilson adds, except perhaps for a set of dumbbells for use at home or in a hotel room. — Michael Candelaria, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Orlando man loses 60 pounds with the help of a deck of cards," 9 Mar. 2018 Optional equipment includes light dumbbells or water bottles. — Allison Eckelkamp, Good Housekeeping, "The Absolute Best Free YouTube Workouts For Busy Parents—Or Anyone Who Hates The Gym," 29 Sep. 2017 In November of 2017, after an afternoon of watching movies together, Theresa Gentry's boyfriend hit her in the face with a 40-pound dumbbell, breaking nearly every bone in her face. — Macaela Mackenzie, Allure, "Nonprofit Face Forward Changes the Lives of Domestic Violence Survivors With Free Plastic Surgery," 26 Mar. 2019 The workouts range in length, and while some are bodyweight only, others require equipment such as an exercise ball, sliders, resistance bands, and dumbbells. — Alexa Tucker, SELF, "Everything You Need to Know About 10 Popular at-Home Workout Programs," 13 Jan. 2019 Braithwaite directs us to lie on a bench with two light dumbbells in hand. — Leah Prinzivalli, SELF, "Jennifer Lopez's 8-Move Arm and Back Workout Is a Total-Body Challenge," 5 Oct. 2018 Sit on the ball, grip a light dumbbell or weighted plate and extend your arms straight out in front of you. — Jen Murphy, WSJ, "A Golf Obsession With Balance at the Core," 22 Sep. 2018 Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and a dumbbell in each hand at your sides. — Fox News, "#ThrowbackThursday workout: How to do Jazzercise at home," 20 Apr. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dumbbell.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for dumbbell

dumbbell

noun

English Language Learners Definition of dumbbell

: a short bar with weights at the ends that is used to make muscles stronger

US, informal : a stupid or foolish person

See the full definition for dumbbell in the English Language Learners Dictionary

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

peer-to-peer

using a distributed computer network

Test Your Vocabulary

Time Traveler Quiz: Which Word Came First?

Which came first?

snarky sarcastic

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ