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

For beginners, a version using two light dumbbells is a good introduction. —Gretchen Reynolds, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026

Step-Up Stand with a bench or other sturdy surface in front of you, dumbbells at your sides, palms in. —Greg Presto, Outside, 7 Jan. 2026

Hold a dumbbell in the same hand of the knee that's on the bench, and pull your elbow back towards your torso while squeezing your shoulder blades. —Jakob Roze, Health, 31 Dec. 2025

Having a set of dumbbells around—even like 10- or 15-pound weights—is really important for our long-term health. —Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 9 Dec. 2025

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