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

Copperheads have contrasting brown crossbands shaped like an hourglass or dumbbell, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. — Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026

Reliability has become a concern after a run of recalls (dumbbells from BowFlex, FitRx and Amazon Basics all had plate-disengagement issues; and PowerBlock had a narrow recall involving certain commercial handles). — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Crime scene technicians called in to help execute a search warrant reported observing blood spattered all over Mao’s bedroom, and a machete and two dumbbells stained with blood. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 17 June 2026

Brace your core and pull the dumbbell towards your torso, making sure to keep your elbow close to your body. — Jakob Roze, Health, 17 June 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