barbell

noun

bar·​bell ˈbär-ˌbel How to pronounce barbell (audio)
plural barbells
1
: a bar with adjustable weighted disks attached to each end that is used for exercise and in weight lifting
2
: something that resembles a barbell
especially : an ornament that consists of a small, thin metal rod with a ball or bead at each end and that is worn on the body as a piercing
Five years later, he has had eight ear piercings, a barbell on his lower lip and another silver barbell through his tongue. Anne Llamada Estonillo

Examples of barbell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Unlike barbells or machines, which can allow the dominant side to compensate, dumbbells require each limb to carry its load independently. Dana Santas, CNN, 28 Jan. 2024 The retired tennis star's latest video features her executing barbell squats at a lighter weight than usual. Brian Anthony Hernandez, Peoplemag, 27 Jan. 2024 The faceless graphic held a barbell, which bent dramatically due to the amount of weight on either end. Jordan Castro, Harper's Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024 In this situation, a barbell strategy of defensive growth stocks and late-cycle cyclicals will continue to outperform. Farah Elbahrawy, Fortune, 8 Jan. 2024 This type of exercise can be done using free-weight barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, weight machines or even elastic bands. Randal Claytor, Discover Magazine, 30 Dec. 2023 Everyone laments the gym-goer who leaves their free weights on the floor or plates on the barbell, but to me, re-racking your equipment but putting it in the wrong spot is barely any better. Christa Sgobba, SELF, 2 Jan. 2024 Start by doing 10 to 12 reps of dumbbell or barbell skull crushers, focusing on the stretch at the bottom of each rep. Brett Williams, Men's Health, 6 Sep. 2023 McRae gives it her all: hurling herself around the changing rooms in a crop top and goalkeeper gloves, surrounded by backing dancers; whipping her hair while climbing across a barbell bench; doing the splits across the reception desk. Liam Hess, Vogue, 11 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'barbell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of barbell was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near barbell

Cite this Entry

“Barbell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/barbell. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

barbell

noun
bar·​bell ˈbär-ˌbel How to pronounce barbell (audio)
: a bar with adjustable weighted disks attached to each end that is used for exercise and in weight lifting

More from Merriam-Webster on barbell

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