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

Pick up some free weights, dumbbells or kettlebells or do bodyweight exercises. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 6 Mar. 2026

Best strength training equipment This set of select-a-weight dumbbells can replace 15 pairs of regular dumbbells for your strength training routine. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

Weightlifting, on the other hand, uses external resistance such as dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells, or weight machines. —Jakob Roze, Health, 5 Mar. 2026

Planet Fitness once made a point of banning denim in the gym, along with grunting, dropping dumbbells, and judging others. —Daniel Engber, The Atlantic, 20 Feb. 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