# bodybuilding

/bˈɒdɪbˌɪldɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bodybuilding
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the activity of doing special exercises and eating specific foods to make your muscles grow very large. People often do this to compete in shows where they show off their bodies.

For teachers: the practice of intensive muscle hypertrophy through a combination of resistance training, specific caloric intake, and rest. Often pursued as a competitive sport where physique is judged on symmetry, mass, and definition.

## Examples

- He spends two hours at the gym every day for bodybuilding.
- Professional bodybuilding requires a strict diet and a rigorous weightlifting schedule to achieve maximum muscle definition before a competition.
- While many view bodybuilding solely as a pursuit of vanity, practitioners argue it demands extreme mental discipline and a sophisticated understanding of human physiology and nutrition.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an uncountable noun to describe the sport or activity; can also function as a gerund.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.